Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

$10 parking

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity is a productive birding destination in California, with 307 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Merganser 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

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

3/5/2026Skyline Drive at Miramar Drive (Fullerton)2 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/5/2026Craig Regional Park, Fullerton1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

3/5/2026Pomona College1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/4/2026Upper Santa Ana River--Lakeview Ave. to Imperial Hwy5 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/4/2026Upper Santa Ana River--Lakeview Ave. to Imperial Hwy3 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/4/2026Cedar Crest Ave1 observed

Painted Redstart

Myioborus pictus

3/3/2026San Dimas Canyon Park1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/2/2026Carbon Canyon Regional Park1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/2/2026West Coyote Hills Tree Park, Fullerton1 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

3/2/2026E Greystone Ave Turkey Vulture Roost1 observed

American Dipper

Cinclus mexicanus

3/2/2026California Sturtevant Falls csw1 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

3/2/2026San Antonio Heights Backyard1 observed

Lilac-crowned Amazon

Amazona finschi

3/2/2026San Antonio Heights Backyard8 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

33/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/5/2026

Black Phoebe

23/5/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

23/5/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

13/5/2026

Bewick's Wren

23/5/2026

Western Bluebird

13/5/2026

House Finch

73/5/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

83/5/2026

Lawrence's Goldfinch

53/5/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

13/5/2026

Song Sparrow

23/5/2026

California Towhee

23/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/5/2026

Mallard

33/5/2026

Bufflehead

23/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

453/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/5/2026

American Coot

603/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.

  5. 5

    Winter months bring peak waterfowl diversity — visit November through February for the best duck and goose viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity for birding?
The best months to visit Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity?
Notable species at Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Mourning Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Allen's Hummingbird, Common Gallinule, Black-crowned Night Heron, Green Heron, Tree Swallow, Song Sparrow. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity?
Birding at Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity?
The entrance fee at Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity is $10 parking. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity?
Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.