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

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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

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

105/28/2026

Egyptian Goose

15/28/2026

Cinnamon Teal

15/28/2026

Gadwall

15/28/2026

Mallard

15/28/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/28/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/28/2026

Mourning Dove

15/28/2026

American Coot

15/28/2026

Black-necked Stilt

15/28/2026

American Avocet

15/28/2026

Least Tern

15/28/2026

Forster's Tern

15/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/28/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/28/2026

Snowy Egret

15/28/2026

Green Heron

15/28/2026

Great Egret

15/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/28/2026

American White Pelican

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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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.