Santee Lakes

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Santee Lakes is a productive birding destination in California, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Cinnamon Teal 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

Hepatic Tanager

Piranga flava

3/6/2026Wing St. Canyon1 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

3/6/2026Rambla De Las Flores--Richardson Field to RSF Field (restricted access)1 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

3/6/2026San Diego Zoo Safari Park, San Diego US-CA 33.09139, -116.992431 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/6/2026Ramona Community Park1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/6/2026Lindo Lake2 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

3/6/2026Heritage Park (Chula Vista)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/6/2026Kate Sessions Neighborhood Park1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/6/2026Vacation Isle1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

3/6/2026San Diego—East Balboa Park Golf Course1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/6/2026Wing St. Canyon1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/6/2026Home 2909 Brant St1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/6/2026Chula Vista Bayfront Park (J St.)2 observed

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

3/6/2026Clairemont High School Baseball Field 4150 Ute Dr, San Diego US-CA 32.80807, -117.203011 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

3/6/2026San Elijo Lagoon--west1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

93/6/2026

Wood Duck

63/6/2026

Cinnamon Teal

93/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

33/6/2026

Gadwall

23/6/2026

American Wigeon

113/6/2026

Mallard

73/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

203/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

33/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

403/6/2026

Mourning Dove

43/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/6/2026

Common Gallinule

13/6/2026

American Coot

1253/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/6/2026

Western Gull

13/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

43/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

63/6/2026

Snowy Egret

13/6/2026

Great Egret

13/6/2026

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 Santee Lakes for birding?
The best months to visit Santee Lakes for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Santee Lakes?
Notable species at Santee Lakes include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Santee Lakes?
Birding at Santee Lakes is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Santee Lakes?
Santee Lakes offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.