River/Riparian birding habitat

Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint is a productive birding destination in California, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and American Wigeon 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

Mitred Parakeet

Psittacara mitratus

7/13/2026Pearson Palace12 observed

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

7/13/2026Lower SAR1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

7/13/2026Lower SAR1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

7/13/2026Upper Santa Ana River--Taft Ave. to Lincoln Ave.2 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

7/13/2026Newport Pier1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/12/2026Upper Santa Ana River--Taft Ave. to Lincoln Ave.1 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

7/12/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve2 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

7/12/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

7/12/2026San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary--Fledgling Loop Trail4 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

7/12/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

407/12/2026

Egyptian Goose

57/12/2026

Mallard

407/12/2026

Rock Pigeon

107/12/2026

Black-necked Stilt

307/12/2026

Killdeer

37/12/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/12/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

27/12/2026

Black Skimmer

47/12/2026

Forster's Tern

87/12/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

307/12/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

27/12/2026

White-faced Ibis

217/12/2026

Snowy Egret

157/12/2026

Great Egret

47/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/12/2026

Black Phoebe

17/12/2026

American Crow

27/12/2026

Barn Swallow

47/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint for birding?
The best months to visit Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint?
Notable species at Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, American Wigeon, Mallard, White-throated Swift. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint?
Birding at Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint?
Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.