a view of a mountain range from a distance

San Jacinto Wildlife Area

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

San Jacinto Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in California, with 317 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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 Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

6/2/2026Santa Ana River Wildlife Management Area, Rubideaux Avenue access1 observed

MacGillivray's Warbler

Geothlypis tolmiei

6/2/2026Libby Drive, Riverside, California, US1 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

6/1/2026Lake Perris State Recreation Area1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/31/20265252 El Cerrito Dr, Riverside US-CA (33.9548,-117.3332)3 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/31/2026Monkeyface Falls viewpoint1 observed

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

5/29/2026San Timoteo Creek (SBE Co.)1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/28/2026Lake Perris State Recreation Area1 observed

Vaux's Swift

Chaetura vauxi

5/28/2026San Jacinto Wildlife Area3 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/28/2026San Jacinto Wildlife Area1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

5/26/202610018 Ivy Ct, Yucaipa US-CA 34.07193, -117.028931 observed

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

5/26/2026Redlands - private residence1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

5/24/20261580 Elizabeth St, Redlands US-CA (34.0305,-117.1664)18 observed

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

5/23/2026Santa Ana River at Greenspot Rd.2 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

5/22/2026Yucaipa Regional Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

26/1/2026

Gadwall

16/1/2026

Mallard

306/1/2026

Redhead

26/1/2026

Ruddy Duck

206/1/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

76/1/2026

American Coot

56/1/2026

Black-necked Stilt

26/1/2026

American Avocet

26/1/2026

Killdeer

26/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

26/1/2026

Clark's Grebe

46/1/2026

White-faced Ibis

506/1/2026

Great Egret

56/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

26/1/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

26/1/2026

American Kestrel

26/1/2026

Black Phoebe

36/1/2026

Say's Phoebe

16/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Jacinto Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit San Jacinto Wildlife Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Jacinto Wildlife Area?
Notable species at San Jacinto Wildlife Area include Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, American Coot. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Jacinto Wildlife Area?
Birding at San Jacinto Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at San Jacinto Wildlife Area?
There is no entrance fee at San Jacinto Wildlife Area. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at San Jacinto Wildlife Area?
San Jacinto Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.