River/Riparian birding habitat

Los Angeles River - Willow Saint

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Los Angeles River - Willow Saint is a productive birding destination in California, with 269 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Blue-winged Teal, and Cinnamon 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

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

6/3/2026Los Angeles River--Soto St.3 observed

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

6/3/2026La Mirada US-CA1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

6/2/2026stakeout Swainson's Hawk, Seal Beach (2019)1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

6/2/2026Huntington Central Park--East1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

6/2/2026Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, Buena Park2 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

6/2/2026Madrona Marsh1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

6/2/2026Madrona Marsh1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

6/2/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

6/1/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

85/24/2026

Egyptian Goose

15/24/2026

Mallard

25/24/2026

American Coot

65/24/2026

Black-necked Stilt

145/24/2026

American Avocet

55/24/2026

Killdeer

185/24/2026

Ring-billed Gull

25/24/2026

Western Gull

15/24/2026

California Gull

45/24/2026

Black Skimmer

125/24/2026

Caspian Tern

15/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/24/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

25/24/2026

Snowy Egret

25/24/2026

Great Egret

15/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/24/2026

Brown Pelican

15/24/2026

Mitred Parakeet

145/24/2026

Black Phoebe

15/24/2026

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