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

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

5/31/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

5/31/2026IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary, Irvine3 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/31/2026Wintersburg channel1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/31/2026stakeout Swainson's Hawk, Seal Beach (2019)2 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

5/31/2026Huntington Central Park--East1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

5/31/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

5/31/2026San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary--Treehill Trail2 observed

Oak Titmouse

Baeolophus inornatus

5/31/2026Aliso and Wood Canyons WP--Aliso Creek Trail to Wood Canyon Trail1 observed

Mountain Chickadee

Poecile gambeli

5/30/2026Short loop2 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/30/2026Huntington Central Park--East1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

55/27/2026

Egyptian Goose

15/27/2026

Mallard

155/27/2026

Rock Pigeon

35/27/2026

Mourning Dove

25/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/27/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

45/27/2026

Western Gull

25/27/2026

Black Skimmer

15/27/2026

Caspian Tern

35/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/27/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

35/27/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/27/2026

Snowy Egret

125/27/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/27/2026

Osprey

25/27/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/27/2026

Black Phoebe

45/27/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

25/27/2026

American Crow

55/27/2026

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.