Ballona Freshwater Marsh

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/5/2026Doris Japanese Garden2 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026Athens Park1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

3/5/2026Griffith Park--Mineral Wells Trail1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/5/2026Griffith Park--Mineral Wells Trail1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

3/5/2026Madrona Marsh8 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026Earvin Magic Johnson Park1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

3/4/2026Earvin Magic Johnson Park1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/4/2026My Yard1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/4/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3/5/2026

Cinnamon Teal

23/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

13/5/2026

Mallard

3/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/5/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

13/5/2026

American Coot

3/5/2026

Black-necked Stilt

3/5/2026

Killdeer

23/5/2026

Western Gull

3/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/5/2026

Snowy Egret

13/5/2026

Great Egret

33/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

American Kestrel

13/5/2026

Tree Swallow

3/5/2026

European Starling

3/5/2026

House Finch

13/5/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

33/5/2026

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.