Desert birding habitat

San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
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

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

7/13/2026Santa Ana River Trail, Anaheim US-CA 33.85585, -117.807631 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

7/13/2026Santa Ana River Trail, Anaheim US-CA 33.85585, -117.807634 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/12/2026Upper Santa Ana River--Taft Ave. to Lincoln Ave.1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/12/2026Shoreline Aquatic Park2 observed

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

7/12/2026Santa Fe Dam--Nature Center Area2 observed

Greater Roadrunner

Geococcyx californianus

7/12/2026Wrigley Greenbelt .31st And San Francisco Ave Long Beach, California, US (33.813, -118.204)1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

7/12/2026Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/12/2026Carbon Canyon Regional Park1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/12/2026Los Angeles River--Sunnynook Bridge1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

67/12/2026

Mallard

177/12/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/12/2026

Mourning Dove

57/12/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

27/12/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

67/12/2026

Killdeer

27/12/2026

Western Gull

37/12/2026

Caspian Tern

17/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

67/12/2026

White-faced Ibis

17/12/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

27/12/2026

Snowy Egret

127/12/2026

Great Egret

67/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/12/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/12/2026

Red-crowned Amazon

27/12/2026

Black Phoebe

87/12/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

27/12/2026

Common Raven

37/12/2026

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.