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

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

7/19/2026Claremont Wilderness Park4 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/19/2026Carbon Canyon Regional Park1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/19/2026Upper Santa Ana River--Taft Ave. to Lincoln Ave.2 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/19/2026Peck Rd. Water Conservation Park1 observed

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

7/17/2026Angeles NF--Little Santa Anita Cyn.4 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

7/16/2026Craig Regional Park, Fullerton4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

247/19/2026

Mallard

187/19/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/19/2026

Mourning Dove

17/19/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

37/19/2026

American Coot

77/19/2026

Killdeer

17/19/2026

Forster's Tern

37/19/2026

Western Grebe

67/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/19/2026

Black Phoebe

47/19/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

27/19/2026

Bell's Vireo

17/19/2026

California Scrub-Jay

17/19/2026

Common Raven

17/19/2026

Bushtit

87/19/2026

Bewick's Wren

27/19/2026

Western Bluebird

57/19/2026

American Robin

17/19/2026

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.