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

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

5/29/2026Santa Ana River Wildlife Management Area, Riverside US-CA 33.96681, -117.451911 observed

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

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

5/26/202610018 Ivy Ct, Yucaipa US-CA 34.07193, -117.028931 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

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/24/2026Glen Helen Regional Park1 observed

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

5/24/2026Lake Gregory5 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

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

5/22/2026Lake Gregory1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

5/22/2026Yucaipa Regional Park2 observed

Song Sparrow (heermanni Group)

Melospiza melodia

5/21/2026Badger Canyon (CA Atlas - San Bernardino North CE)2 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

5/21/2026Badger Hill and basins (CA Atlas - San Bernardino North CW)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

115/29/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/29/2026

Mourning Dove

65/29/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

35/29/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/29/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

15/29/2026

Killdeer

45/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/29/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

25/29/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

25/29/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/29/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

55/29/2026

American Kestrel

25/29/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/29/2026

Black Phoebe

45/29/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/29/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/29/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

15/29/2026

Western Kingbird

15/29/2026

Bell's Vireo

65/29/2026

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.