Coastal birding habitat

Upper Newport Bay - Back Bay Dr.

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Upper Newport Bay - Back Bay Dr. is a productive birding destination in California, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Blue-winged Teal, and Cinnamon Teal 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

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

7/17/2026Dana Point Harbor1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/17/2026Laguna Niguel Regional Park1 observed

Mitred Parakeet

Psittacara mitratus

7/17/20262666 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, California, US (33.67, -117.919)4 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

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

Band-tailed Pigeon

Patagioenas fasciata

7/16/2026UCI Ecological Preserve-Middle Loop Scrub1 observed

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

7/15/2026Dana Point--nearshore (ORA Co.)

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

7/15/2026Dana Point--nearshore (ORA Co.)

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/17/2026

Great Egret

17/17/2026

Mallard

7/10/2026

Mourning Dove

7/10/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

7/10/2026

Killdeer

7/10/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

7/10/2026

Long-billed Curlew

7/10/2026

Marbled Godwit

7/10/2026

Willet

7/10/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

7/10/2026

Western Sandpiper

7/10/2026

Western Gull

7/10/2026

Black Skimmer

7/10/2026

Caspian Tern

7/10/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

7/10/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

57/10/2026

Snowy Egret

7/10/2026

Green Heron

17/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

7/10/2026

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