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

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

5/28/2026Trail1 observed

Booted Eagle

Hieraaetus pennatus

5/28/2026Eagle sighting 0528261 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/28/2026Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/28/2026Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/28/2026Santa Ana River Trail, Orange US-CA 33.84068, -117.857343 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/28/2026Los Angeles River--Sunnynook Bridge1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

5/27/2026Griffith Observatory2 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/27/20265272 La Canada Blvd, La Cañada Flintridge US-CA 34.22158, -118.204351 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/27/2026stakeout Swainson's Hawk, Seal Beach (2019)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/27/2026San Gabriel River--Willow to 7th St.2 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

5/27/202614110 Tedford Drive East, Whittier, California, US (33.918, -118.031)1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/27/2026Carbon Canyon Regional Park1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/26/20264980 Stevely Ave, Lakewood US-CA 33.84820, -118.100851 observed

Anna's Hummingbird x Selasphorus sp. (hybrid)

Calypte anna x Selasphorus sp.

5/26/20261201 Montecito Dr, Los Angeles US-CA 34.08812, -118.199261 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/25/2026

Mallard

145/25/2026

Rock Pigeon

25/25/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/25/2026

Mourning Dove

45/25/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/25/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

35/25/2026

Killdeer

15/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/25/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

25/25/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

45/25/2026

Snowy Egret

115/25/2026

Great Egret

35/25/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/25/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

25/25/2026

Black Phoebe

85/25/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

45/25/2026

Common Raven

75/25/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

35/25/2026

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.