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

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/27/20269448 Knowlton Ct1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/27/2026Santee Lakes

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/27/2026Ocean Air Community Park1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/27/2026Point Loma Nazarene University1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

5/27/2026Santee Lakes1 observed

Nazca Booby

Sula granti

5/27/2026Point La Jolla--seawatch1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/27/2026Lake Hodges--east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

25/26/2026

Killdeer

25/26/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

25/26/2026

Least Tern

35/26/2026

Snowy Egret

15/26/2026

White-tailed Kite

45/26/2026

American Kestrel

15/26/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/26/2026

Song Sparrow

25/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/26/2026

Mourning Dove

15/24/2026

White-faced Ibis

25/24/2026

Great Egret

15/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/24/2026

Osprey

15/24/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Western Flycatcher

15/24/2026

American Crow

25/24/2026

Bushtit

25/24/2026

Wrentit

15/24/2026

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.