Fairview Park Bird Surveys 2023: Familiar Birds and New Surprises
Tucked into the heart of Costa Mesa, Fairview Park is easy to overlook — a quiet stretch of coastal sage scrub, wetland, and open grassland bordered by neighborhoods and busy streets. But for those paying attention, it's alive with birds.
I joined surveys at Fairview Park as a volunteer with Sea and Sage Audubon, the Orange County chapter of the National Audubon Society. Each survey is a chance to slow down, listen, and take stock of who calls the park home.
About the Park
Fairview Park spans roughly 208 acres and is one of the last remaining natural open spaces in Costa Mesa. Its mix of habitats — native scrub, vernal pools, riparian corridor, and turf — makes it surprisingly diverse for a suburban park. That diversity shows up in the birds, bugs, plants, and more that can be found in this beautiful park.
How the Surveys Work
On survey days, the teams walk established routes through the park, recording every bird seen or heard. Observations are logged to eBird, which means our data contributes to a much bigger picture of bird populations over time. I also bring a camera to document what we find — both for the records and because some of these birds are simply too good not to photograph.
Highlights from 2023
Baby White-face Ibises
White-tailed Kites
Hawk Pants: American Kestrel
Endangered Least Bell’s Vireo juvenile with adult
Endangered Fairy Shrimp!
Some of my other favorite creatures and photos from this year of surveys:
Why It Matters
Surveys like these aren't just a fun morning out — though they are certainly that. Consistent, long-term data from community scientists helps researchers and land managers understand how bird populations are changing and what habitats need protection. Fairview Park is a small patch of green in a sea of concrete, and every time we survey it, we make the case that it's worth caring for.
If you're curious about birding in Orange County or want to join a future survey, get in touch with me!
This post is part of an ongoing series following the monthly bird surveys at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa. The first year established the baseline, and 2023 started filling in the surprises.
The full record is here: 2022, 2024, and 2025. As for 2026, the surveys continue.
