Lower Otay Reservoir - south arm & boat ramp

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lower Otay Reservoir - south arm & boat ramp is a productive birding destination in California, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Gadwall, Mallard, and California Quail among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/6/2026Home 2909 Brant St1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/6/2026Chula Vista Bayfront Park (J St.)2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/6/2026Chollas Reservoir (CA Atlas - National City NE)2 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

3/6/2026Seaport Village area1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/6/2026Larsen Field1 observed

Townsend's x Hermit Warbler (hybrid)

Setophaga townsendi x occidentalis

3/5/2026Spreckels Park & Public Library1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/5/2026Harry Griffen Regional Park1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

3/5/2026San Diego Bay NWR--SoCal Saltworks (restricted access)1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Tijuana River Valley--Sunset Ave east of Hollister1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

62/21/2026

Mallard

22/21/2026

California Quail

12/21/2026

Mourning Dove

32/21/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

12/21/2026

American Coot

262/21/2026

California Gull

702/21/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

12/21/2026

Western Grebe

242/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

22/21/2026

Snowy Egret

22/21/2026

Great Egret

22/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/21/2026

Osprey

22/21/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

22/21/2026

Common Raven

42/21/2026

Bushtit

22/21/2026

Wrentit

22/21/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

22/21/2026

California Thrasher

12/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lower Otay Reservoir - south arm & boat ramp for birding?
The best months to visit Lower Otay Reservoir - south arm & boat ramp for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lower Otay Reservoir - south arm & boat ramp?
Notable species at Lower Otay Reservoir - south arm & boat ramp include Gadwall, Mallard, California Quail, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lower Otay Reservoir - south arm & boat ramp?
Birding at Lower Otay Reservoir - south arm & boat ramp is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lower Otay Reservoir - south arm & boat ramp?
Lower Otay Reservoir - south arm & boat ramp offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.