Wetland birding habitat

Ballona Freshwater Marsh

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Ballona Freshwater Marsh is a productive birding destination in California, with 256 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/30/2026Topanga State Park, Los Angeles US-CA 34.09331, -118.58747Eat1 observed

Brown Pelican (California)

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/29/2026Miramar Park, Torrance1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/29/202613786–13804 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey US-CA 33.97102, -118.445071 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/29/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/29/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/28/2026Los Angeles River--Sunnynook Bridge1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

5/27/2026Griffith Observatory2 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/27/2026Hollywood Reservoir3 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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/26/2026Hollywood Reservoir1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

35/30/2026

Mallard

45/30/2026

Ruddy Duck

65/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

American Coot

35/30/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

205/30/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/30/2026

Snowy Egret

35/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/30/2026

Brown Pelican

25/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/30/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Black Phoebe

15/30/2026

American Crow

45/30/2026

Tree Swallow

55/30/2026

Cliff Swallow

55/30/2026

Bushtit

5/30/2026

Marsh Wren

45/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ballona Freshwater Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Ballona Freshwater Marsh for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Ballona Freshwater Marsh?
Notable species at Ballona Freshwater Marsh include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ballona Freshwater Marsh?
Birding at Ballona Freshwater Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ballona Freshwater Marsh?
Ballona Freshwater Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.