Desert birding habitat

Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa is a productive birding destination in California, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Ruddy Duck, and American Coot 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

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/20/2026IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

7/20/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

7/20/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Mitred Parakeet

Psittacara mitratus

7/20/2026Santa Ana River--Adams Ave. to Gisler Ave.2 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/20/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

7/20/2026Newport Coast Drive above Marriott1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

7/20/2026Talbert Regional Park (North)1 observed

Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid)

Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii

7/20/2026IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/19/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Lucy's Warbler

Leiothlypis luciae

7/19/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/19/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

Surfbird

Calidris virgata

7/19/2026San Gabriel River mouth (ORA Co.)2 observed

Band-tailed Pigeon

Patagioenas fasciata

7/19/20262924 Alta Vista Dr, Newport Beach CA1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/19/2026Upper Santa Ana River--Taft Ave. to Lincoln Ave.2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern House Wren

27/20/2026

Hooded Oriole

27/20/2026

Western Bluebird

27/20/2026

Pin-tailed Whydah

17/20/2026

House Sparrow

107/20/2026

House Finch

67/20/2026

Bell's Vireo

17/20/2026

Swinhoe's White-eye

17/20/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

17/20/2026

Black Phoebe

17/20/2026

American Crow

107/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/20/2026

Canada Goose

407/20/2026

Egyptian Goose

17/20/2026

Cinnamon Teal

27/20/2026

Gadwall

47/20/2026

Mallard

287/20/2026

Black-necked Stilt

87/20/2026

Killdeer

17/20/2026

Semipalmated Plover

37/20/2026

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 Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa for birding?
The best months to visit Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa?
Notable species at Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa include Mallard, Ruddy Duck, American Coot, Osprey, Nuttall's Woodpecker. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa?
Birding at Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa?
Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.