San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds is a productive birding destination in California, with 244 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Blue-winged Teal, and Cinnamon Teal 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

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/6/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

3/6/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/5/2026Doris Japanese Garden2 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026Athens Park1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/5/2026Haster Basin Recreation Area, Garden Grove1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

3/5/2026Griffith Park--Mineral Wells Trail1 observed

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

3/5/2026Skyline Drive at Miramar Drive (Fullerton)2 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/5/2026Griffith Park--Mineral Wells Trail1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

3/5/2026Madrona Marsh8 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Colorado Lagoon2 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/5/2026La Palma Central Park1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026Earvin Magic Johnson Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

83/5/2026

Blue-winged Teal

403/5/2026

Cinnamon Teal

393/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

173/5/2026

Gadwall

153/5/2026

American Wigeon

2163/5/2026

Mallard

223/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

103/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

93/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

123/5/2026

Bufflehead

23/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

2353/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/5/2026

American Coot

2803/5/2026

Black-necked Stilt

83/5/2026

Killdeer

73/5/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

153/5/2026

Western Gull

1003/5/2026

American Herring Gull

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  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 Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds for birding?
The best months to visit San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds?
Notable species at San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds include Canada Goose, Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds?
Birding at San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds?
San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.