Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy is a productive birding destination in California, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian 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

Canada Goose Gadwall Mallard Bufflehead Mourning Dove

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

5/28/2026Trail1 observed

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

5/28/2026stakeout Wood Stork, Chino Hills (2026)1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/28/2026Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity1 observed

Red-lored Amazon

Amazona autumnalis

5/28/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley2 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/28/2026Santa Ana River Trail, Orange US-CA 33.84068, -117.857343 observed

Red-crowned Amazon

Amazona viridigenalis

5/28/2026Upper Newport Bay2 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

5/27/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/27/2026stakeout Swainson's Hawk, Seal Beach (2019)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/27/2026San Gabriel River--Willow to 7th St.2 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

5/27/202614110 Tedford Drive East, Whittier, California, US (33.918, -118.031)1 observed

Band-tailed Pigeon

Patagioenas fasciata

5/27/2026Coastal Canyon Park, Newport Beach US-CA 33.60438, -117.823822 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

5/27/2026UC South Coast Research Extension Center // Harvest Solutions Farm1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/27/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach US-CA 33.69856, -118.046961 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/27/2026Carbon Canyon Regional Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/28/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

35/28/2026

American Crow

15/28/2026

Bushtit

45/28/2026

Swinhoe's White-eye

25/28/2026

Western Bluebird

25/28/2026

House Finch

45/28/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

35/28/2026

California Towhee

15/28/2026

Canada Goose

205/28/2026

Mallard

255/28/2026

Ruddy Duck

25/28/2026

Black-necked Stilt

305/28/2026

American Avocet

35/28/2026

Killdeer

85/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/28/2026

Black Phoebe

45/28/2026

Tree Swallow

105/28/2026

Cliff Swallow

405/28/2026

Gadwall

15/28/2026

Birding Tips

1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy for birding?▼

The best months to visit Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy?▼

Notable species at Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Bufflehead, Mourning Dove. The area supports river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy?▼

Birding at Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy?▼

Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.