Did you know there are an estimated 47 million active birders in the United States? If you’re not familiar with birding, or Birdwatching, it is a form of wildlife observation in which the observation of birds is a recreational activity of citizen science. It can be done with the naked eye, through visual enhancement or by listening for bird sounds. Lake Elsinore plays host to over 250 species of birds, some of which are extremely rare. In fact, birding records in Lake Elsinore date back to 1896 and are regularly updated.

The most popular location to birdwatch is at our “Back Basin” along the Lake Elsinore Levee. The Levee begins at the Diamond Stadium and is an out and back trail (total length approximately seven miles).

Interested in birding but not sure where to begin? You can take advantage of this amazing birding location by participating in “Birdwalks”. Bird walks begin at the Levee Entrance, continuing to the “back basin”, and are hosted by local birding enthusiasts on a volunteer basis. The goal of the Birdwalks are to have fun and see as many different bird species as possible. Learn some basic bird identification, and learn which birds are seen in the varying habitats.

Birdwalks typically last two to three hours and involve walking at least one to two miles. There is limited to no shade on birdwalks. Dress in layers, wear sturdy closed toed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and snacks and water. If you have binoculars, it is great idea to bring them as well as a camera to catch an image of all the bids you will see. Pets are not allowed on bird walks so please leave all dogs at home. Birding requires much patience, young children tire and bore easily, birdwatching may not be the best venue for them.

Lake Elsinore Bird List 12/26/2022

Lake Elsinore Bird List 04/18/2022

 Lake Elsinore Bird List V 48 -05/09/2020

Lake Elsinore Bird List 08/25/2020

Lake Elsinore Bird List 8/30/2020

Lake Elsinore Bird List 10/17/2020

Lake Elsinore Bird List 12/5/2020: South Levee, Elm Grove Beach

Lake Elsinore Bird List 12/26/2020: Elm Grove Beach, South Levee and Back Basin, Launch Pointe

Birdwatching Opportunities:

Please contact Julie Szabo jsszabo1@gmail.com if you are interested in participating in an upcoming birdwalk.

Birdwalks - dates to be determined.   

Participants meet at 7:45 am at the Lake Elsinore levee entrance (Parking Lot B) at the Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium, on Pete Lehr Drive.  

While you’re preparing for your birdwalk check out some of these helpful resources:

• Cornell Lab of Ornithology eBird   https://ebird.org/home
• San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society    https://www.sbvas.net/
• Palomar Audubon Society    http://palomaraudubon.org/
• National Audubon Society   https://www.audubon.org/
• Inland County Birds alert   https://groups.io/g/inlandcountybirds
• American Birding Association  https://www.aba.org/
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology Birds of North America  https://birdsna.org/Species-Account/bna/home
• Birds of Murrieta, Lake Elsinore Photos https://www.birdsofmurrieta.com/lake-elsinore-2019.html

Wetlands Enhancement Project