Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

FallWinterSpring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy is a productive birding destination in California, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Mallard among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Gadwall Mallard Bufflehead Mourning Dove

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

3/6/2026Bartlett Park, Huntington Beach1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/6/2026San Joaquin WS - Pond 11 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

3/6/2026San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary Pond 42 observed

Brandt's Cormorant

Urile penicillatus

3/6/2026IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary, Irvine1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/6/2026Chino Creek Wetlands6 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

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

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

3/5/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

3/5/2026Skyline Drive at Miramar Drive (Fullerton)2 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds1 observed

Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope)

Empidonax difficilis

3/5/2026William R Mason Regional Park, Irvine1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/5/2026William R Mason Regional Park, Irvine1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

33/4/2026

Gadwall

23/4/2026

Mallard

43/4/2026

Bufflehead

23/4/2026

Mourning Dove

23/4/2026

American Coot

323/4/2026

Killdeer

23/4/2026

Osprey

23/4/2026

Black Phoebe

13/4/2026

American Crow

13/4/2026

Tree Swallow

33/4/2026

American Pipit

13/4/2026

House Finch

23/4/2026

Song Sparrow

23/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

3/4/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/4/2026

Egyptian Goose

63/4/2026

Wood Duck

123/4/2026

Cinnamon Teal

63/4/2026

American Wigeon

23/4/2026

Birding Tips

1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

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Point Reyes National Seashore

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Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy for birding?▼

The best months to visit Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy?▼

Notable species at Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Bufflehead, Mourning Dove. The area supports river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy?▼

Birding at Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy?▼

Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.