Upper Newport Bay - Back Bay Dr.

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Upper Newport Bay - Back Bay Dr. is a productive birding destination in California, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Blue-winged Teal, and Cinnamon Teal 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

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/6/2026lower Country Club Dr, Laguna Beach1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

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

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

3/6/2026Santa Ana River mouth4 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

Canada Goose

2/27/2026

Blue-winged Teal

12/27/2026

Cinnamon Teal

2/27/2026

American Wigeon

2/27/2026

Mallard

2/27/2026

Northern Pintail

2/27/2026

Green-winged Teal

2/27/2026

Lesser Scaup

2/27/2026

Bufflehead

2/27/2026

Hooded Merganser

12/27/2026

Ruddy Duck

2/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

2/27/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

2/27/2026

Ridgway's Rail

32/27/2026

American Coot

2/27/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

2/27/2026

Marbled Godwit

2/27/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

2/27/2026

Willet

2/27/2026

Least Sandpiper

2/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Upper Newport Bay - Back Bay Dr. for birding?
The best months to visit Upper Newport Bay - Back Bay Dr. for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Upper Newport Bay - Back Bay Dr.?
Notable species at Upper Newport Bay - Back Bay Dr. include Canada Goose, Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Upper Newport Bay - Back Bay Dr.?
Birding at Upper Newport Bay - Back Bay Dr. is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Upper Newport Bay - Back Bay Dr.?
Upper Newport Bay - Back Bay Dr. offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.