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

Loading map...

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

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

7/15/2026Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve (salt pan)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/14/2026Peck Rd. Water Conservation Park2 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/12/2026Los Angeles River--Sunnynook Bridge1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/5/2026Village Green1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/4/2026Angeles Crest Hwy--Barley Flats Road1 observed

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

7/4/2026Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook2 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

7/4/2026Ballona Freshwater Marsh2 observed

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium gnoma

7/3/2026Angeles NF--Rim Trail, Mt. Wilson to Newcomb Pass1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/3/2026Wildwood Canyon Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

27/11/2026

Mallard

127/11/2026

Mourning Dove

37/11/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/11/2026

Black-necked Stilt

607/11/2026

Killdeer

37/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

67/11/2026

Snowy Egret

27/11/2026

Great Egret

27/11/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

47/11/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

27/11/2026

Black Phoebe

67/11/2026

Common Raven

27/11/2026

Oak Titmouse

17/11/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

67/11/2026

Barn Swallow

47/11/2026

Bushtit

67/11/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

27/11/2026

European Starling

47/11/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/11/2026

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.