Lake birding habitat

San Jacinto Wildlife Area - Mystic Lake

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Jacinto Wildlife Area - Mystic Lake is a productive birding destination in California, with 274 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, 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

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

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

5/26/2026Redlands - private residence1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/25/2026Monkeyface Falls viewpoint2 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

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

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/23/2026McLarty Residence1 observed

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

5/23/2026San Timoteo Creek (SBE Co.)1 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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/21/2026Santa Ana River at Greenspot Rd.1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

5/21/2026Santa Ana River at Greenspot Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

125/28/2026

California Quail

35/28/2026

Rock Pigeon

155/28/2026

Mourning Dove

25/28/2026

White-throated Swift

85/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/28/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

15/28/2026

Forster's Tern

15/28/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

35/28/2026

Western Grebe

85/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

75/28/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

25/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

165/28/2026

Osprey

15/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/28/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

25/28/2026

American Kestrel

25/28/2026

Peregrine Falcon

15/28/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

35/28/2026

Black Phoebe

55/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Jacinto Wildlife Area - Mystic Lake for birding?
The best months to visit San Jacinto Wildlife Area - Mystic Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Jacinto Wildlife Area - Mystic Lake?
Notable species at San Jacinto Wildlife Area - Mystic Lake include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Jacinto Wildlife Area - Mystic Lake?
Birding at San Jacinto Wildlife Area - Mystic Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Jacinto Wildlife Area - Mystic Lake?
San Jacinto Wildlife Area - Mystic Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.