San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails is a productive birding destination in California, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, and Lesser Scaup among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

American Wigeon Green-winged Teal Lesser Scaup Red-breasted Merganser Ruddy Duck

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/9/2026San Antonio Ave, San Diego US-CA 32.70867, -117.237201 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/8/2026Lake Murray--southeast side2 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

7/8/2026Lake Murray--southeast side1 observed

Ridgway's Rail

Rallus obsoletus

7/8/2026San Dieguito Sports Fields & Riparian1 observed

Mountain Chickadee

Poecile gambeli

7/8/2026Batiquitos Lagoon--north side trails2 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

7/8/2026H Street Viewpoint2 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

7/6/2026Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve--east2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

17/6/2026

Redhead

17/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

17/6/2026

Mourning Dove

17/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

27/6/2026

Common Gallinule

27/6/2026

American Coot

17/6/2026

Killdeer

47/6/2026

White-faced Ibis

17/6/2026

Snowy Egret

17/6/2026

Great Egret

17/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/6/2026

American Barn Owl

17/6/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

17/6/2026

Western Flycatcher

17/6/2026

Black Phoebe

17/6/2026

Common Raven

27/6/2026

Cliff Swallow

107/6/2026

Bushtit

7/6/2026

Wrentit

17/6/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails for birding?▼

The best months to visit San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails?▼

Notable species at San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails include American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails?▼

Birding at San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails?▼

San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.