Santa Fe Dam Rec. Area

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Santa Fe Dam Rec. Area is a productive birding destination in California, with 264 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, and Canada Goose 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

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

3/5/2026Skyline Drive at Miramar Drive (Fullerton)2 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/5/2026Craig Regional Park, Fullerton1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

3/5/2026Pomona College1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

3/4/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/4/2026Cedar Crest Ave1 observed

Painted Redstart

Myioborus pictus

3/3/2026San Dimas Canyon Park1 observed

Palm Warbler (Western)

Setophaga palmarum

3/2/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/2/2026Carbon Canyon Regional Park1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/2/2026West Coyote Hills Tree Park, Fullerton1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ross's Goose

13/5/2026

Canada Goose

453/5/2026

Cinnamon Teal

103/5/2026

Mallard

403/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

33/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

153/5/2026

Bufflehead

113/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

333/5/2026

Mourning Dove

73/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

33/5/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

33/5/2026

American Coot

1203/5/2026

Black-necked Stilt

23/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

13/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

53/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

83/5/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

13/5/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

13/5/2026

Snowy Egret

33/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Santa Fe Dam Rec. Area for birding?
The best months to visit Santa Fe Dam Rec. Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Santa Fe Dam Rec. Area?
Notable species at Santa Fe Dam Rec. Area include Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Mallard. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Santa Fe Dam Rec. Area?
Birding at Santa Fe Dam Rec. Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Santa Fe Dam Rec. Area?
Santa Fe Dam Rec. Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.