a bridge over a body of water

Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
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

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

5/29/2026Prado Regional Park1 observed

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

5/29/2026stakeout Wood Stork, Chino Hills (2026)1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

5/29/2026Hilltop Park2 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

5/28/2026Trail1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/28/2026Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/28/2026Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/28/2026Santa Ana River Trail, Orange US-CA 33.84068, -117.857343 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

5/27/202614110 Tedford Drive East, Whittier, California, US (33.918, -118.031)1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/27/2026Carbon Canyon Regional Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

255/29/2026

Mallard

35/29/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

15/29/2026

Mourning Dove

25/29/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/29/2026

Common Gallinule

35/29/2026

American Coot

85/29/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/29/2026

Western Grebe

45/29/2026

Clark's Grebe

25/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/29/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

25/29/2026

Snowy Egret

15/29/2026

Green Heron

15/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/29/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/29/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/29/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

25/29/2026

Black Phoebe

35/29/2026

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.