IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary, Irvine
California · Southwest
Moderate
October-May
Free
Open daily, 7 AM - 4 PM
About This Location
IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary, Irvine is a productive birding destination in California, with 334 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Egyptian Goose, and Blue-winged 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
Short-billed Dowitcher
Limnodromus griseus
Canvasback
Aythya valisineria
American Wigeon
Mareca americana
Mitred Parakeet
Psittacara mitratus
Western Tanager
Piranga ludoviciana
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Polioptila caerulea
Loggerhead Shrike
Lanius ludovicianus
Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid)
Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii
Cackling Goose
Branta hutchinsii
Lucy's Warbler
Leiothlypis luciae
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescens
Northern Pintail
Anas acuta
American Oystercatcher
Haematopus palliatus
Surfbird
Calidris virgata
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Bell's Vireo
Swinhoe's White-eye
Hooded Oriole
Canada Goose
Egyptian Goose
Cinnamon Teal
Gadwall
Mallard
Black-necked Stilt
Killdeer
Semipalmated Plover
Wilson's Phalarope
Least Sandpiper
Western Sandpiper
Black Skimmer
Caspian Tern
Forster's Tern
Pied-billed Grebe
Western Grebe
Clark's Grebe
Birding Tips
- 1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
- 2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
- 3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.
- 4
Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Crystal Cove State Park
- Upper Newport Bay
More in California
California Birding Guide
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