Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa is a productive birding destination in California, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Ruddy Duck, and American Coot 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

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/6/2026San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary--Fledgling Loop Trail1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

3/6/2026San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary--Fledgling Loop Trail2 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

3/6/2026Huntington Central Park--East1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

3/6/2026Bartlett Park, Huntington Beach1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

3/6/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

3/6/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

3/6/2026San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary--Treehill Trail1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

3/6/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

3/6/2026Santa Ana River mouth4 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/6/2026Los Angeles River--Willow St.1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/5/2026Haster Basin Recreation Area, Garden Grove1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

23/2/2026

Ruddy Duck

33/2/2026

American Coot

23/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/2/2026

Great Egret

13/2/2026

Osprey

13/2/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Black Phoebe

13/2/2026

Hutton's Vireo

13/2/2026

Tree Swallow

13/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

13/2/2026

Bushtit

43/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

13/2/2026

Northern House Wren

13/2/2026

House Finch

93/2/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

43/2/2026

Song Sparrow

43/2/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/2/2026

Mourning Dove

13/1/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

13/1/2026

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 Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa for birding?
The best months to visit Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa?
Notable species at Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa include Mallard, Ruddy Duck, American Coot, Osprey, Nuttall's Woodpecker. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa?
Birding at Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa?
Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.