Urban Park birding habitat

UCSB North Campus Open Space

California · Southwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

UCSB North Campus Open Space is a productive birding destination in California, with 259 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

5/30/2026Hale Nahele1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/29/20265049 Walnut Park Drive1 observed

Swinhoe's White-eye

Zosterops simplex

5/29/2026Ellwood Mesa Open Space1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/28/2026Refugio Road1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

5/21/2026UCSB North Campus Open Space (formerly Ocean Meadows Golf Course)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/20/2026Toro Canyon Park2 observed

Bell's Vireo (Least)

Vireo bellii

5/20/2026Calle Real 34.439945, -119.9374241 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

5/20/2026Las Cruzitas Ranch (restricted access)1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/17/2026Refugio Creek Canyon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

115/30/2026

Mallard

45/30/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

15/30/2026

Killdeer

15/30/2026

Snowy Egret

15/30/2026

Great Egret

15/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Black Phoebe

15/30/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

15/30/2026

California Scrub-Jay

25/30/2026

American Crow

15/30/2026

Cliff Swallow

55/30/2026

European Starling

15/30/2026

Western Bluebird

15/30/2026

Scaly-breasted Munia

15/30/2026

House Sparrow

15/30/2026

House Finch

25/30/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

15/30/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

65/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit UCSB North Campus Open Space for birding?
The best months to visit UCSB North Campus Open Space for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at UCSB North Campus Open Space?
Notable species at UCSB North Campus Open Space include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at UCSB North Campus Open Space?
Birding at UCSB North Campus Open Space is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at UCSB North Campus Open Space?
UCSB North Campus Open Space offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.