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

Loading map...

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

Greater Roadrunner

Geococcyx californianus

7/20/20266472 Seavey Ct, Highland US-CA 34.13627, -117.172081 observed

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

Clark's Grebe

17/20/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

37/15/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

27/15/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/15/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

47/15/2026

Bell's Vireo

37/15/2026

Bushtit

27/15/2026

Wrentit

17/15/2026

Bewick's Wren

37/15/2026

House Finch

47/15/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

137/15/2026

American Goldfinch

27/15/2026

California Towhee

17/15/2026

Spotted Towhee

17/15/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

47/15/2026

Blue Grosbeak

17/15/2026

Mourning Dove

17/13/2026

Scaly-breasted Munia

17/13/2026

House Sparrow

37/13/2026

Canada Goose

37/13/2026

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.