Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin is a productive birding destination in California, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/5/2026Lago Santa Margarita1 observed

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

3/5/2026Williams Canyon, Orange County1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/3/2026Lake Skinner County Park1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

3/3/2026Lake Skinner County Park

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

3/3/2026Lake Skinner County Park

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

3/1/2026The Legends Golf Club1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/1/202638208 Calle Cipres, Murrieta US-CA 33.56722, -117.252101 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

2/22/2026Meadows Park18 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

2/22/2026Las Flores1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

2/22/2026French Valley Wildlife Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

143/6/2026

Cinnamon Teal

33/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

653/6/2026

Gadwall

13/6/2026

American Wigeon

73/6/2026

Mallard

143/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

73/6/2026

Bufflehead

43/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

1103/6/2026

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/6/2026

Common Gallinule

13/6/2026

American Coot

1013/6/2026

Black-necked Stilt

13/6/2026

American Avocet

83/6/2026

Least Sandpiper

43/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

173/6/2026

American Herring Gull

13/6/2026

California Gull

33/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

33/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin?
Notable species at Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Ruddy Duck, American Coot. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin?
Birding at Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin?
Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.