Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy

California · Southwest

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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

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/9/2026Santa Ana River Trail, Orange US-CA 33.83813, -117.860401 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

7/9/2026Santa Ana River Trail, Orange US-CA 33.83813, -117.860402 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

7/8/2026El Dorado Regional Park--Area 21 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

7/8/2026Winterburg near Parkside ponds1 observed

Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid)

Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii

7/8/2026IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary2 observed

Mitred Parakeet

Psittacara mitratus

7/8/2026Broadway in Costa Mesa2 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/7/2026Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, Buena Park1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

7/7/2026San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary--Fledgling Loop Trail1 observed

Band-tailed Pigeon

Patagioenas fasciata

7/7/2026pelican hill2 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/7/2026Villa Park Flood Control Basin1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/6/2026Toll Roads 241/133 Interchange1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

7/6/2026Lower Temescal Creek SAR A-23 92880, Corona US-CA 33.89956, -117.615111 observed

Mountain Chickadee

Poecile gambeli

7/5/2026English Springs Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

267/4/2026

Egyptian Goose

27/4/2026

Wood Duck

67/4/2026

Gadwall

77/4/2026

Mallard

287/4/2026

Rock Pigeon

57/4/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/4/2026

Killdeer

17/4/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/4/2026

Forster's Tern

27/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/4/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

47/4/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/4/2026

Snowy Egret

17/4/2026

Great Egret

17/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/4/2026

Black Phoebe

17/4/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

17/4/2026

Tree Swallow

67/4/2026

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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Complete guide to birding in California →

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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.