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

Red-lored Amazon

Amazona autumnalis

5/28/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/28/2026Santa Ana River Trail, Orange US-CA 33.84068, -117.857343 observed

Red-crowned Amazon

Amazona viridigenalis

5/28/2026Upper Newport Bay2 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

5/27/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve5 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

5/27/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/27/2026stakeout Swainson's Hawk, Seal Beach (2019)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/27/2026San Gabriel River--Willow to 7th St.2 observed

Band-tailed Pigeon

Patagioenas fasciata

5/27/2026Coastal Canyon Park, Newport Beach US-CA 33.60438, -117.823822 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

5/27/2026UC South Coast Research Extension Center // Harvest Solutions Farm1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/27/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach US-CA 33.69856, -118.046961 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/26/20264980 Stevely Ave, Lakewood US-CA 33.84820, -118.100851 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/26/2026Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course4 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/26/2026La Colina Bonita1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

5/26/2026Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park5 observed

Glossy x White-faced Ibis (hybrid)

Plegadis falcinellus x chihi

5/25/2026Huntington Central Park--East1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/25/2026Centennial Park (Santa Ana)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

35/28/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/28/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

55/28/2026

Black Phoebe

15/28/2026

American Crow

25/28/2026

Barn Swallow

15/28/2026

Cliff Swallow

45/28/2026

Bushtit

15/28/2026

California Towhee

25/28/2026

Spotted Towhee

55/28/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

25/28/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/28/2026

Mallard

145/27/2026

Ruddy Duck

15/27/2026

Common Gallinule

15/27/2026

American Coot

25/27/2026

Western Gull

105/27/2026

Forster's Tern

35/27/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

55/27/2026

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.