Urban Park birding habitat

Mission Trails Regional Park - Northeast Region

California · Southwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Mission Trails Regional Park - Northeast Region is a productive birding destination in California, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts White-throated Swift, Red-tailed Hawk, and Northern Flicker 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

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

6/1/2026Lake Hodges--east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub)1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

6/1/2026Santee Lakes1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

6/1/2026Bayshore Bikeway--10th Street (Pond 23)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

5/31/2026Yard - UC Southwest1 observed

Snowy Plover (Northern)

Anarhynchus nivosus

5/31/2026Bayshore Bikeway--13th Street (Ponds 22/20)4 observed

Hooded Oriole (nelsoni Group)

Icterus cucullatus

5/31/2026Bayshore Bikeway--13th Street (Ponds 22/20)1 observed

White Wagtail

Motacilla alba

5/31/2026Rose Creek Inlet to Mission Bay1 observed

Downy x Nuttall's Woodpecker (hybrid)

Dryobates pubescens x nuttallii

5/31/2026Mission Valley Preserve/Sefton Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (no birding 8a-5p)1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/31/2026Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (no birding 8a-5p)1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/30/2026Lake Murray--southeast side1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

5/30/2026Mission Bay Park, San Diego US-CA (32.7586,-117.2421)1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

5/30/2026Lower Otay Reservoir--east arm pullouts (including North Pt. gate)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anna's Hummingbird

15/31/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

15/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

45/31/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Bell's Vireo

15/31/2026

California Scrub-Jay

25/31/2026

Common Raven

25/31/2026

Bushtit

45/31/2026

Wrentit

15/31/2026

Northern House Wren

25/31/2026

House Finch

45/31/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

105/31/2026

Song Sparrow

35/31/2026

California Towhee

25/31/2026

Spotted Towhee

25/31/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/31/2026

Hooded Oriole

15/31/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

25/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mission Trails Regional Park - Northeast Region for birding?
The best months to visit Mission Trails Regional Park - Northeast Region for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Mission Trails Regional Park - Northeast Region?
Notable species at Mission Trails Regional Park - Northeast Region include White-throated Swift, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Flicker, Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mission Trails Regional Park - Northeast Region?
Birding at Mission Trails Regional Park - Northeast Region is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Mission Trails Regional Park - Northeast Region?
Mission Trails Regional Park - Northeast Region offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.