San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way)

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/RiparianGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way) is a productive birding destination in California, with 290 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and grassland habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mallard, and Semipalmated Plover 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

Hepatic Tanager

Piranga flava

3/6/2026Wing St. Canyon1 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

3/6/2026Rambla De Las Flores--Richardson Field to RSF Field (restricted access)1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)2 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

3/6/2026Heritage Park (Chula Vista)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/6/2026Kate Sessions Neighborhood Park1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Sunset Ave east of Hollister1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/6/2026Vacation Isle1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

3/6/2026San Diego—East Balboa Park Golf Course1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/6/2026Wing St. Canyon1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/6/2026Home 2909 Brant St1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/6/2026Chula Vista Bayfront Park (J St.)2 observed

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

3/6/2026Clairemont High School Baseball Field 4150 Ute Dr, San Diego US-CA 32.80807, -117.203011 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

3/6/2026San Elijo Lagoon--west1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-breasted Merganser

63/6/2026

Rock Pigeon

133/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/6/2026

Black-bellied Plover

33/6/2026

Semipalmated Plover

353/6/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

23/6/2026

Long-billed Curlew

23/6/2026

Marbled Godwit

43/6/2026

Willet

63/6/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

13/6/2026

Least Sandpiper

43/6/2026

Western Sandpiper

353/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

103/6/2026

Western Gull

353/6/2026

California Gull

63/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/6/2026

Little Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Snowy Egret

43/6/2026

Great Egret

13/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

43/6/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Arrive early in the morning for peak bird activity and to secure parking at popular viewing areas.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way) for birding?
The best months to visit San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way)?
Notable species at San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way) include American Wigeon, Mallard, Semipalmated Plover, Long-billed Dowitcher, Willet, Little Blue Heron, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Osprey, Black Phoebe. The area supports river/riparian, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way)?
Birding at San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way)?
There is no entrance fee at San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way). Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way)?
San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.