A flock of birds flying over a body of water

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

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

6/2/2026Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (no birding 8a-5p)1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

6/2/2026Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (no birding 8a-5p)1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

6/2/2026Coronado Cays--park & residential1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

6/2/2026San Elijo Lagoon--east1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

6/2/2026Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (no birding 8a-5p)2 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

6/2/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

6/2/2026Torrey Pines Golf Course Side Path1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

26/2/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

16/2/2026

Black-necked Stilt

16/2/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

16/2/2026

Long-billed Curlew

16/2/2026

Willet

36/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

16/2/2026

Western Gull

1006/2/2026

California Gull

36/2/2026

Black Skimmer

16/2/2026

Caspian Tern

76/2/2026

Forster's Tern

46/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

26/2/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

16/2/2026

Little Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Reddish Egret

16/2/2026

Snowy Egret

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

66/2/2026

Brown Pelican

86/2/2026

American Crow

26/2/2026

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.