Coastal birding habitat

Upper Newport Bay

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Upper Newport Bay is a productive birding destination in California, with 268 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Mallard 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

Band-tailed Pigeon

Patagioenas fasciata

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

Mitred Parakeet

Psittacara mitratus

7/19/2026Upper Newport Bay--foot of San Joaquin Hills Rd.1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/18/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

7/18/2026IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Red-crowned Amazon

Amazona viridigenalis

7/18/2026Fairview Park, Costa Mesa4 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

7/17/2026Dana Point Harbor1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/17/2026Laguna Niguel Regional Park1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

7/17/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/16/2026IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

7/16/2026Craig Regional Park, Fullerton4 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

7/16/2026UCI Ecological Preserve-Middle Loop Riparian1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/16/2026Jack Dunster Marine Biological Reserve1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/16/2026Huntington Central Park, Huntington Beach US-CA 33.70278, -118.004531 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

87/19/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/19/2026

Caspian Tern

17/19/2026

Snowy Egret

17/19/2026

Song Sparrow

17/19/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

17/18/2026

Ridgway's Rail

17/18/2026

American Crow

17/18/2026

Tree Swallow

17/18/2026

Cliff Swallow

1007/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

47/18/2026

Osprey

17/18/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

17/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/18/2026

Scaly-breasted Munia

17/18/2026

Pin-tailed Whydah

17/18/2026

House Finch

27/18/2026

California Towhee

17/18/2026

Savannah Sparrow

17/18/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Upper Newport Bay for birding?
The best months to visit Upper Newport Bay for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Upper Newport Bay?
Notable species at Upper Newport Bay include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Redhead, Lesser Scaup. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Upper Newport Bay?
Birding at Upper Newport Bay is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Upper Newport Bay?
Upper Newport Bay offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.