River/Riparian birding habitat

West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail is a productive birding destination in California, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Mallard, Rock Pigeon, and Eurasian Collared-Dove 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

Brown Pelican (California)

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/29/2026Miramar Park, Torrance1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/29/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/29/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

5/28/2026Trail1 observed

Red-lored Amazon

Amazona autumnalis

5/28/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley2 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

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/27/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach US-CA 33.69856, -118.046961 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/27/2026Carbon Canyon Regional Park1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/26/20264980 Stevely Ave, Lakewood US-CA 33.84820, -118.100851 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

5/26/20261201 Montecito Dr, Los Angeles US-CA 34.08812, -118.199264 observed

Anna's Hummingbird x Selasphorus sp. (hybrid)

Calypte anna x Selasphorus sp.

5/26/20261201 Montecito Dr, Los Angeles US-CA 34.08812, -118.199261 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/26/2026La Colina Bonita1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

105/27/2026

Mallard

35/27/2026

Rock Pigeon

2005/27/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

35/27/2026

Mourning Dove

75/27/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

35/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/27/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

75/27/2026

Snowy Egret

15/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

35/27/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/27/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

25/27/2026

Peregrine Falcon

15/27/2026

Mitred Parakeet

55/27/2026

Black Phoebe

25/27/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

45/27/2026

California Scrub-Jay

25/27/2026

American Crow

15/27/2026

Common Raven

35/27/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

45/27/2026

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 West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail for birding?
The best months to visit West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail?
Notable species at West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail include Mallard, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail?
Birding at West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail?
West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.