Bird is the word.

There are 10,000 bird species living on our planet, and more than 400 of them live right here in Orange County. The Reserve ensures their populations thrive.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy wildlife bird watching — Wildlife + Bird Watching

Grab your binoculars—the NROC’s open spaces are a birder’s dream.

The incredible mix of habitats in the Reserve—coastal sage brush, wide-open grasslands, riparian woodlands—makes it one of the country’s most diverse birding hotspots, ideal for seasoned birders looking to check off their bucket list or locals who are simply curious about the bird life in their backyard.

From snowy egrets roaming wetlands to red-shouldered hawks hovering over oak-dotted canyons, there is a feathered spectacle of year-round residents and seasonal visitors at the NROC. You might catch the world’s fastest raptor, the Peregrine falcon, diving for prey, or see the small California gnatcatcher, one of the Reserve’s protected species, flitting and foraging in the succulents and sagebrush.

Visitors can head to Talbert Regional Park—the space’s watersheds and wetlands make it a wonderful place to view all kinds of species, including the red-shouldered hawk and northern harrier, as well as the great blue heron and snowy egret. City of Irvine Open Space Preserve offers plenty of peaceful paths that give you a chance to glimpse cactus wrens, white-tailed kites, and the occasional roadrunner darting across the trail.

Though some parks are more popular for birdwatching than others, you'll spot diverse species in every area of the NROC.

Got questions? We have answers.

: More than 400 of the planet’s bird species make their home in Orange County, and you can see many of them at the NROC. People flock to the Reserve for their birding adventures, and while you’ll catch glimpses of native species at every park here, you’ll want to tailor your visit to the habitats you’re looking for. This guide to birding in Orange County, from the Sea and Sage Audubon Society, includes seven of the parks that are part of the Reserve, where you can look for the species protected by the NCCP/HCP, as well as many others.
: Several Nature Reserve of Orange County partners host bird walks throughout the year in a variety of parks, including Irvine Ranch Open Space, Peters Canyon Regional Park, and Santiago Oaks Regional Park. Check out the activities at Let’s Go Outside to see what’s happening and register for an upcoming event.
: The Reserve is home to many species year-round, so you’ll always see some of our fine feathered friends. During the winter migratory season, even more species descend on the Reserve, particularly in the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve and the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.
: Trail closures can happen at any time, for many reasons, but they often happen when weather conditions—like fire risk or rain—make trails unsafe. Before heading out on your adventure, check the trail condition at the landowner or land manager’s site of the park you plan on going to. Helpful resources include:

OC Parks

Let’s Go Outside

Crystal Cove State Park

Be Prepared

Expect the unexpected on your adventure. Tell a friend or family member where you are going and what time you plan to return, keep an eye on local weather reports, bring plenty of water, and carry emergency essentials with you. Learn More

Know Before You Go

Each park within the NROC has its own activities, hours, and guidelines, all rooted in respect for the land. Before you visit, check out their site so there are no surprises. Learn More

Leave It as You Find It

Nurturing the beauty of this nature is a communal effort—love your wild by taking nothing from the Reserve and leave no trace behind. Learn More

Keep Wildlife Wild

You are bound to see some exciting wildlife on the Reserve, and we do mean wild. Respecting the animals’ space will ensure your safety and theirs. Learn More