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

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

7/17/2026State Highway 38 at Valley of the Falls Drive4 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

7/16/2026Redlands - private residence1 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/15/2026Home1 observed

Mountain Chickadee

Poecile gambeli

7/15/2026Redlands - private residence2 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/15/2026Redlands - private residence1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/13/2026San Jacinto Wildlife Area4 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

7/13/2026San Jacinto Wildlife Area2 observed

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Dryobates scalaris

7/11/2026Santa Ana River at Greenspot Rd.2 observed

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

7/11/2026Santa Ana River at Greenspot Rd.9 observed

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium gnoma

7/11/2026Momyer-Alger Creek Trail2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

37/13/2026

Wood Duck

257/13/2026

Cinnamon Teal

107/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

107/13/2026

Gadwall

507/13/2026

American Wigeon

147/13/2026

Mallard

2007/13/2026

Green-winged Teal

127/13/2026

Redhead

457/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

3007/13/2026

Rock Pigeon

157/13/2026

Mourning Dove

57/13/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/13/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

17/13/2026

American Coot

1007/13/2026

Black-necked Stilt

3007/13/2026

American Avocet

2007/13/2026

Killdeer

17/13/2026

Long-billed Curlew

127/13/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

107/13/2026

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.