Upper Santa Ana River - Tustin Avenue to Lakeview Avenue

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

FallWinterSpring

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

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/5/2026Haster Basin Recreation Area, Garden Grove1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

3/5/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

3/5/2026Bolsa Chica--walkbridge/inner bay1 observed

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

3/5/2026Skyline Drive at Miramar Drive (Fullerton)2 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/5/2026Craig Regional Park, Fullerton1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds1 observed

Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope)

Empidonax difficilis

3/5/2026William R Mason Regional Park, Irvine1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/5/2026William R Mason Regional Park, Irvine1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

3/5/2026Bartlett Park, Huntington Beach1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

3/5/2026Pomona College1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Colorado Lagoon2 observed

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

3/5/2026Williams Canyon, Orange County1 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/5/2026La Palma Central Park1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/5/2026San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary--Fledgling Loop Trail1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bald Eagle

13/3/2026

Canada Goose

12/26/2026

Wood Duck

22/26/2026

Cinnamon Teal

52/26/2026

Gadwall

102/26/2026

American Wigeon

22/26/2026

Mallard

122/26/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

22/26/2026

Mourning Dove

22/26/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

12/26/2026

American Coot

352/26/2026

American Avocet

62/26/2026

Killdeer

12/26/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

22/26/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

72/26/2026

Least Sandpiper

82/26/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

42/26/2026

Snowy Egret

42/26/2026

Great Egret

32/26/2026

Great Blue Heron

22/26/2026

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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Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles in North America: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

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.