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

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/18/2026Morro Bay SP--Marina/Boardwalk Trail1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

4/17/2026Morro Bay Estuary (use more specific location(s) when possible)2 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/17/2026Bluff Trail--Montana de Oro SP1 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

4/17/2026Morro Bay Estuary (use more specific location(s) when possible)1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/16/2026Morro Bay yard1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Nashville Warbler (ridgwayi)

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/16/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/16/2026Morro Strand State Beach3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

234/12/2026

Mallard

104/12/2026

Common Goldeneye

14/12/2026

Rock Pigeon

164/12/2026

Mourning Dove

14/12/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

24/12/2026

American Coot

94/12/2026

Western Gull

24/12/2026

California Gull

54/12/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

34/12/2026

Western Grebe

124/12/2026

Clark's Grebe

44/12/2026

Red-throated Loon

44/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

94/12/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

24/12/2026

Snowy Egret

24/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

44/12/2026

Brown Pelican

14/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

114/12/2026

Cooper's Hawk

24/12/2026

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.