Upper Santa Ana River - Tustin Avenue to Lakeview Avenue

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 - Tustin Avenue to Lakeview Avenue is a productive birding destination in California, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Canada Goose, and Wood Duck among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Bald Eagle Canada Goose Wood Duck Cinnamon Teal Gadwall

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

7/9/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay2 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

7/9/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

7/9/2026Prado Regional Park3 observed

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

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

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/6/2026Sim's Pond Bio Preserve1 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

217/7/2026

Wood Duck

27/7/2026

Mallard

217/7/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/7/2026

Mourning Dove

17/7/2026

Black-necked Stilt

87/7/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

47/7/2026

Forster's Tern

17/7/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

77/7/2026

White-faced Ibis

27/7/2026

Snowy Egret

27/7/2026

Great Egret

37/7/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/7/2026

American White Pelican

37/7/2026

Turkey Vulture

127/7/2026

Black Phoebe

47/7/2026

American Crow

27/7/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

17/7/2026

Western Bluebird

67/7/2026

House Sparrow

17/7/2026

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

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

Notable species at Upper Santa Ana River - Tustin Avenue to Lakeview Avenue include Bald Eagle, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall. The area supports river/riparian habitats.

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

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

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

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