Upper Newport Bay

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

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

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/5/2026Lago Santa Margarita1 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

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

3/5/2026Williams Canyon, Orange County1 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/5/2026La Palma Central Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

43/3/2026

Gadwall

23/3/2026

Mallard

13/3/2026

Redhead

23/3/2026

Lesser Scaup

223/3/2026

Bufflehead

23/3/2026

White-throated Swift

23/3/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/3/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

13/3/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

23/3/2026

American Coot

23/3/2026

Marbled Godwit

33/3/2026

Willet

23/3/2026

Western Gull

13/3/2026

California Gull

83/3/2026

Eared Grebe

13/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/3/2026

Black Phoebe

13/3/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

13/3/2026

American Crow

43/3/2026

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.