River/Riparian birding habitat

San Timoteo Creek

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Timoteo Creek is a productive birding destination in California, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, and California Quail 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

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

7/16/20262343 Redwood St, San Bernardino US-CA 34.19470, -117.341731 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

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/13/2026Lake Arrowhead Village1 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

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium gnoma

7/11/2026Momyer-Alger Creek Trail2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

47/12/2026

Mourning Dove

47/12/2026

Greater Roadrunner

17/12/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

37/12/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/12/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

57/12/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

77/12/2026

Northern Flicker

17/12/2026

American Kestrel

27/12/2026

Western Flycatcher

17/12/2026

Black Phoebe

37/12/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

27/12/2026

Common Raven

367/12/2026

Cliff Swallow

57/12/2026

Bushtit

157/12/2026

Wrentit

37/12/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/12/2026

Bewick's Wren

37/12/2026

Phainopepla

47/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Timoteo Creek for birding?
The best months to visit San Timoteo Creek for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Timoteo Creek?
Notable species at San Timoteo Creek include Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, California Quail, Mourning Dove, White-throated Swift. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Timoteo Creek?
Birding at San Timoteo Creek is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Timoteo Creek?
San Timoteo Creek offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.