San Diego Zoo Safari Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

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

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

3/6/2026San Diego Zoo Safari Park, San Diego US-CA 33.09139, -116.992431 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/6/2026Ramona Community Park1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/6/2026Lindo Lake2 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

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

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

3/6/2026Santee Lakes2 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/5/2026Oak Riparian Park4 observed

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/5/2026Lake Henshaw2 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026San Elijo Lagoon--west1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/4/2026Rangeland Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Wigeon

43/6/2026

Mallard

103/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

43/6/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/6/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

13/6/2026

Common Gallinule

13/6/2026

American Coot

23/6/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

23/6/2026

Snowy Egret

13/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

103/6/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Black Phoebe

23/6/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

13/6/2026

American Crow

203/6/2026

Common Raven

63/6/2026

Bushtit

83/6/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/6/2026

European Starling

103/6/2026

House Sparrow

143/6/2026

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 San Diego Zoo Safari Park for birding?
The best months to visit San Diego Zoo Safari Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Diego Zoo Safari Park?
Notable species at San Diego Zoo Safari Park include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Diego Zoo Safari Park?
Birding at San Diego Zoo Safari Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at San Diego Zoo Safari Park?
San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.