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

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

5/30/2026West Hazard Canyon--Montana de Oro SP1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/30/2026Los Osos Oaks State Reserve1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

5/30/2026Pismo SB--Oceano Campground1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/30/2026Bob Jones Trail1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/29/2026Morro Bay Harbor1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

5/29/2026Alva Paul Lagoon and beach4 observed

Pacific Wren

Troglodytes pacificus

5/29/2026Coon Creek Trail--Montana de Oro SP1 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

5/29/2026Morro Strand State Beach4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

235/30/2026

Gadwall

45/30/2026

Mallard

205/30/2026

Surf Scoter

15/30/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

35/30/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

25/30/2026

Western Grebe

15/30/2026

Clark's Grebe

35/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

65/30/2026

Snowy Egret

15/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/30/2026

Brown Pelican

115/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

85/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/30/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

35/30/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Northern Flicker

15/30/2026

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.