Wetland birding habitat

Colorado Lagoon

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Colorado Lagoon is a productive birding destination in California, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Redhead 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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/19/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher

Myiodynastes luteiventris

7/19/20263174 Montellano Ave, 하시엔다 하이츠 US-CA 33.98487, -117.989031 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

7/19/20263174 Montellano Ave, 하시엔다 하이츠 US-CA 33.98487, -117.989031 observed

Lucy's Warbler

Leiothlypis luciae

7/19/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/19/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

Surfbird

Calidris virgata

7/19/2026San Gabriel River mouth (ORA Co.)2 observed

Band-tailed Pigeon

Patagioenas fasciata

7/19/20262924 Alta Vista Dr, Newport Beach CA1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/19/2026Upper Santa Ana River--Taft Ave. to Lincoln Ave.2 observed

Mitred Parakeet

Psittacara mitratus

7/19/2026Upper Newport Bay--foot of San Joaquin Hills Rd.1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

7/18/2026IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Song Sparrow (heermanni Group)

Melospiza melodia

7/18/2026Ocean Trails Reserve and golf course trails10 observed

Red-crowned Amazon

Amazona viridigenalis

7/18/2026Fairview Park, Costa Mesa4 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/17/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

97/16/2026

Mallard

107/16/2026

Rock Pigeon

17/16/2026

Mourning Dove

47/16/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/16/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

17/16/2026

California Gull

17/16/2026

Caspian Tern

17/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/16/2026

Great Egret

17/16/2026

Black Phoebe

27/16/2026

Barn Swallow

17/16/2026

Swinhoe's White-eye

27/16/2026

European Starling

17/16/2026

Western Bluebird

17/16/2026

Pin-tailed Whydah

17/16/2026

House Sparrow

87/16/2026

House Finch

37/16/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/16/2026

American Goldfinch

17/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Colorado Lagoon for birding?
The best months to visit Colorado Lagoon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Colorado Lagoon?
Notable species at Colorado Lagoon include Canada Goose, Mallard, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Rock Pigeon. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Colorado Lagoon?
Birding at Colorado Lagoon is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Colorado Lagoon?
Colorado Lagoon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.