San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails is a productive birding destination in California, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, and Lesser Scaup 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

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

3/5/2026San Diego Zoo Safari Park (CA Atlas - Escondido NE)2 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/5/2026Oak Riparian Park4 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

3/5/2026Oak Riparian Park2 observed

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

3/5/2026South Clairemont Community Park1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

3/5/2026San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way)6 observed

Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid)

Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii

3/5/2026San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way)1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

3/5/2026San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way)1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/5/2026Famosa Slough1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/5/2026Kate Sessions Neighborhood Park1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/5/2026Home 2909 Brant St1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/5/2026Vacation Isle1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026San Elijo Lagoon--west1 observed

Lucy's Warbler

Leiothlypis luciae

3/5/2026SDSU Mission Valley River Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/5/2026Lake Murray--southeast side1 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

3/5/2026Lake Murray--southeast side1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Wigeon

303/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

83/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

63/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

23/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

93/5/2026

American Coot

43/5/2026

Black-bellied Plover

103/5/2026

Killdeer

63/5/2026

Long-billed Curlew

13/5/2026

Willet

13/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/5/2026

Western Grebe

23/5/2026

Snowy Egret

13/5/2026

American Kestrel

13/5/2026

American Crow

13/5/2026

Horned Lark

23/5/2026

Bushtit

23/5/2026

House Finch

23/5/2026

Song Sparrow

103/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails for birding?
The best months to visit San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails?
Notable species at San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails include American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails?
Birding at San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails?
San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.