Santee Lakes

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Santee Lakes is a productive birding destination in California, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Cinnamon Teal among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Townsend's x Hermit Warbler (hybrid)

Setophaga townsendi x occidentalis

3/5/2026Spreckels Park & Public Library1 observed

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

3/5/2026South Clairemont Community Park1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/5/2026Harry Griffen Regional Park1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

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

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

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

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

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

Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid)

Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii

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

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/5/2026Harry Griffen Regional Park1 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

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

Canada Goose

133/5/2026

Wood Duck

23/5/2026

Cinnamon Teal

113/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

543/5/2026

American Wigeon

423/5/2026

Mallard

233/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

893/5/2026

Bufflehead

23/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

163/5/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/5/2026

Common Gallinule

13/5/2026

American Coot

1683/5/2026

Western Gull

73/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

123/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

73/5/2026

Snowy Egret

13/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Santee Lakes for birding?
The best months to visit Santee Lakes for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Santee Lakes?
Notable species at Santee Lakes include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Santee Lakes?
Birding at Santee Lakes is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Santee Lakes?
Santee Lakes offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.