Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas is a productive birding destination in California, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ruddy Duck 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

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/5/2026Lone Hill Park3 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/5/2026Oracle Pond (pond area only) along Marine Pkwy1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/5/2026Belmont Slough--slough along Oracle Pkwy and area behind Oracle1 observed

Sanderling

Calidris alba

3/5/2026Salt Pond A121 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/5/2026Pacific Commons Linear Park2 observed

Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler (hybrid)

Spatula discors x clypeata

3/5/2026Palo Alto Baylands1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

3/4/2026Thousand Oaks Park (SCL Co.)1 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

3/4/2026Don Edwards NWR--Pond A161 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/4/2026Lone Hill Park2 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/4/2026Loop trail1 observed

Black Oystercatcher

Haematopus bachmani

3/3/2026Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay1 observed

Song Sparrow (heermanni Group)

Melospiza melodia

3/3/2026Sanborn CP--John Nicholas Trail

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

3/2/2026Shoreline Park--Shoreline Lake area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

13/4/2026

Mallard

13/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

13/4/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/4/2026

American Coot

13/4/2026

American Avocet

13/4/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

13/4/2026

California Gull

13/4/2026

Great Egret

53/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/4/2026

American Crow

13/4/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

13/4/2026

Savannah Sparrow

13/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

43/3/2026

Mourning Dove

63/3/2026

Black-necked Stilt

203/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/3/2026

Eared Grebe

23/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

43/3/2026

Snowy Egret

43/3/2026

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 Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas for birding?
The best months to visit Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas?
Notable species at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ruddy Duck, Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas?
Birding at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas?
Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.