River/Riparian birding habitat

San Gabriel River / San Jose Creek confluence

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Gabriel River / San Jose Creek confluence is a productive birding destination in California, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Egyptian Goose, Mallard, and Anna's Hummingbird 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

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

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/27/2026Atwater Village1 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

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/26/2026Santa Ana River Trail, Orange US-CA 33.84068, -117.857341 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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/26/2026Hollywood Reservoir1 observed

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

5/25/2026stakeout Wood Stork, Chino Hills (2026)1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/25/2026Hickory Creek/Strickling/Eucalyptus/Hollow Run Parks2 observed

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

5/25/2026Hickory Creek/Strickling/Eucalyptus/Hollow Run Parks2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

55/24/2026

Mallard

15/24/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/24/2026

Mourning Dove

35/24/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

25/24/2026

American Coot

25/24/2026

Killdeer

15/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/24/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

25/24/2026

Snowy Egret

15/24/2026

Green Heron

15/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/24/2026

Black Phoebe

25/24/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/24/2026

Bell's Vireo

35/24/2026

American Crow

25/24/2026

Common Raven

65/24/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

65/24/2026

Cliff Swallow

225/24/2026

Bushtit

85/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 River / San Jose Creek confluence for birding?
The best months to visit San Gabriel River / San Jose Creek confluence for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Gabriel River / San Jose Creek confluence?
Notable species at San Gabriel River / San Jose Creek confluence include Egyptian Goose, Mallard, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, American Coot. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Gabriel River / San Jose Creek confluence?
Birding at San Gabriel River / San Jose Creek confluence is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Gabriel River / San Jose Creek confluence?
San Gabriel River / San Jose Creek confluence offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.