Desert birding habitat

Bette Davis Picnic Area

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Bette Davis Picnic Area is a productive birding destination in California, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mallard, and Ring-necked Duck 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

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/28/2026Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

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

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

5/27/2026Griffith Observatory2 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/27/20265272 La Canada Blvd, La Cañada Flintridge US-CA 34.22158, -118.204351 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

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

5/24/2026Descanso Gardens1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/23/2026Ballona Freshwater Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Egyptian Goose

15/27/2026

American Wigeon

25/27/2026

Mallard

405/27/2026

Rock Pigeon

25/27/2026

Mourning Dove

15/27/2026

White-throated Swift

505/27/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

25/27/2026

Black-necked Stilt

205/27/2026

Killdeer

45/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/27/2026

Snowy Egret

15/27/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/27/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/27/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

25/27/2026

Black Phoebe

45/27/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

15/27/2026

American Crow

15/27/2026

Common Raven

15/27/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

405/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bette Davis Picnic Area for birding?
The best months to visit Bette Davis Picnic Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Bette Davis Picnic Area?
Notable species at Bette Davis Picnic Area include American Wigeon, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, American Coot. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bette Davis Picnic Area?
Birding at Bette Davis Picnic Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bette Davis Picnic Area?
Bette Davis Picnic Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.