San Jacinto Wildlife Area

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026UC Riverside Botanic Gardens2 observed

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

3/5/2026San Jacinto Wildlife Area2 observed

Anna's x Costa's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Calypte anna x costae

3/5/2026Sugarloaf Mountain (Riverside)1 observed

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

3/4/2026Santa Ana River wash (Opal Avenue)2 observed

Purple Finch (Western)

Haemorhous purpureus

3/4/2026San Timoteo Creek (SBE Co.)2 observed

Bullock's Oriole

Icterus bullockii

3/4/2026San Timoteo Creek (SBE Co.)1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/4/2026San Timoteo Creek (SBE Co.)1 observed

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

3/4/2026San Timoteo Creek (SBE Co.)1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

3/3/2026Yucaipa Regional Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

23/5/2026

Cinnamon Teal

393/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

103/5/2026

Gadwall

53/5/2026

American Wigeon

13/5/2026

Mallard

173/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

23/5/2026

Redhead

13/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

23/5/2026

Bufflehead

133/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

123/5/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

23/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

63/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/5/2026

Sora

13/5/2026

Common Gallinule

23/5/2026

American Coot

2503/5/2026

Black-necked Stilt

93/5/2026

American Avocet

33/5/2026

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.