IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary — Attraction in Irvine

Definitely worth a visit, as the facilities, and the scenery, are well worth seeing - and, let's not forget, this place offers some wonderful opportunities for serious birding! It's not easy to find, especially if you're from out of town, like we were, and the Audubon people who answer the 'phone when you call for directions might neglect to mention that whilst the entrance to Riparian View is to be found off the Intersection of Campus and University, if you're coming from the direction of Jamboree Road, then you won't be able to access Riparian View directly. You'll have to go past the Intersection, continue along Campus until you can make a U-Turn (which isn't too far), and then travel back in the opposite direction. Go through the Intersection of Campus and University, and then look for a dedicated right turn into Riparian View. It's very badly signposted, and the person we spoke to when we called the place again, after failing to find it on the first attempt, told us in a matter of fact tone of voice that she couldn't find it when she first went there! That might be something for her to bear in mind when she next gives directions to callers like us. You'll meet a lot of people in this place, many of them seasoned birders, and they'll range from the usual snooty Audubon types, who literally won't give you the time of day (one man ignored my wife when she asked him if he'd found anything good), to the more down-to-earth friendly people who are very happy to share their experiences. You can usually spot the snooty ones, they're the men and women shouldering expensive tripods, with costly spotting scopes, or top-of-the-line Canon or Nikon cameras and long lenses mounted on them. They'll look at you as if you don't belong on the same planet, let alone in that particular place, and they wouldn't tell you what they'd seen if their lives depended on it. Avoid them, and seek out the more friendly and accessible-looking types who are sitting on the benches with their binoculars, and more modest cameras, at the ready. They'll be happy to tell you what they've seen, and that will make the visit...

Great place to witness nature first-hand. There is an incredibly diverse collection of birds that love to hang out here. The place is run by the Irvine Ranch Water District, which services a series of reservoirs on the property. Fairly wide dirt walking trails skirt each lake.

There is a medium-sized parking lot, turn left at stop sign, then a quick left down a slight hill into the parking lot, by the buildings and restrooms. Overflow parking lot, you'd veer right after stop sign, down a paved road, that feeds into a super big gravel parking area, next to a lower level reservoir. Further away from the parking areas, off of 2 smaller reservoirs, you can find 2 osprey nesting platforms, way up high in the sky.

The flowering plants near the Audubon Society House and the Duck Club House behind it, usually have hummingbirds or butterflies flitting about that you can photograph, if you're lucky.

The restrooms on site are clean, which is quite nice. So many bird species here, it's ridiculous. I photographed my first Vermillion Flycatcher here, as well as my first Cedar Waxwing. I also saw and photographed my first Northern Harrier here. They are fairly large, slender-winged birds of prey, with checkered wings, white patch on their rump and an owl like face. Very cool looking!

I've never seen raccoons here, but people I've talked with on the trail have seen some, in the early morning hours. Great place to get back to nature!

You can find Lorquin's Admiral butterflies here. They are oh so pretty, with orange, white & black color patterns decorated on them. Hot summer months you'll find many different colored dragonflies...

IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Irvine. No matter what time you go, the atmosphere remains calm, and the people are always friendly—greeting each other with a simple “hi.”

It’s one of my favorite spots for a walk, and I highly recommend it for a relaxing date, especially if you’re coming from University Center since it’s not too far away. I’d even suggest packing a sub sandwich or a snack, sitting by the reservoir, and watching birds while enjoying lunch. There are plenty of seating areas, and you’ll find many people capturing photos, chatting, or simply soaking in the scenery.

The place is also a haven for bird watchers—especially older visitors with sunglasses, binoculars, and a great enthusiasm for spotting different species. It’s a wonderful escape from the city, perfect for a peaceful outing. Highly...