Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Loading map...

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

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/5/2026Haster Basin Recreation Area, Garden Grove1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

3/5/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

3/5/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

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

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

3/5/2026Laguna Coast Wilderness Park5 observed

Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope)

Empidonax difficilis

3/5/2026William R Mason Regional Park, Irvine1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/5/2026William R Mason Regional Park, Irvine1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

3/5/2026Bartlett Park, Huntington Beach1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Colorado Lagoon2 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/5/2026La Palma Central Park1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/5/2026San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary--Fledgling Loop Trail1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/4/2026My Yard1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

23/2/2026

Ruddy Duck

33/2/2026

American Coot

23/2/2026

Osprey

13/2/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Black Phoebe

13/2/2026

Hutton's Vireo

13/2/2026

Tree Swallow

13/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

13/2/2026

Bushtit

43/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

13/2/2026

Northern House Wren

13/2/2026

House Finch

93/2/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

43/2/2026

Song Sparrow

43/2/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/2/2026

Mourning Dove

13/1/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

13/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/1/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

13/1/2026

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.