Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint is a productive birding destination in California, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and American Wigeon 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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

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

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/6/2026Chino Creek Wetlands6 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

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

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

3/5/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

3/5/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 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

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

3/5/2026Laguna Coast Wilderness Park5 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

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

3/5/2026Bartlett Park, Huntington Beach1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/5/2026recreation park golf course 181 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

203/2/2026

Cinnamon Teal

53/2/2026

American Wigeon

13/2/2026

Mallard

53/2/2026

White-throated Swift

13/2/2026

American Avocet

13/2/2026

Killdeer

33/2/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

73/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

253/2/2026

Great Egret

33/2/2026

Black Phoebe

33/2/2026

California Scrub-Jay

23/2/2026

American Crow

43/2/2026

Common Raven

13/2/2026

Tree Swallow

303/2/2026

Bushtit

113/2/2026

California Gnatcatcher

23/2/2026

California Thrasher

43/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/2/2026

Western Bluebird

23/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint for birding?
The best months to visit Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint?
Notable species at Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, American Wigeon, Mallard, White-throated Swift. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint?
Birding at Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint?
Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.