Desert birding habitat

Bob Jones Trail

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Bob Jones Trail is a productive birding destination in California, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Bufflehead, and Common Goldeneye 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

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

7/14/2026Morro Bay Estuary (use more specific location(s) when possible)1 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

7/14/2026West Hazard Canyon--Montana de Oro SP1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/13/2026Morro Bay Harbor1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/13/2026Pasadena Drive (35.332, -120.843)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/10/2026Morro Bay SP--Marina/Boardwalk Trail2 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/10/2026Laguna Lake2 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

7/9/2026Pismo SB--Oceano Campground1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

107/7/2026

Mallard

157/7/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

27/7/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/7/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/7/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/7/2026

Brown Pelican

47/7/2026

Turkey Vulture

47/7/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

17/7/2026

American Kestrel

17/7/2026

Western Flycatcher

17/7/2026

Black Phoebe

17/7/2026

Steller's Jay

17/7/2026

Cliff Swallow

47/7/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

37/7/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

17/7/2026

California Towhee

17/7/2026

Spotted Towhee

17/7/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/7/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

17/7/2026

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 Bob Jones Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Bob Jones Trail for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Bob Jones Trail?
Notable species at Bob Jones Trail include Mallard, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bob Jones Trail?
Birding at Bob Jones Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bob Jones Trail?
Bob Jones Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.