San Jacinto Wildlife Area - Mystic Lake

California · Southwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

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

Canada Goose

13/2/2026

Cinnamon Teal

203/2/2026

Northern Shoveler

3003/2/2026

Gadwall

153/2/2026

Mallard

103/2/2026

Northern Pintail

63/2/2026

Green-winged Teal

83/2/2026

Ruddy Duck

2003/2/2026

American Coot

2003/2/2026

Black-necked Stilt

183/2/2026

American Avocet

503/2/2026

Killdeer

33/2/2026

Long-billed Curlew

13/2/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

543/2/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

53/2/2026

Dunlin

33/2/2026

Least Sandpiper

2003/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

63/2/2026

American Herring Gull

13/2/2026

California Gull

403/2/2026

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.