Desert birding habitat

Hansen Dam

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Hansen Dam is a productive birding destination in California, with 289 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Egyptian Goose, Anna's Hummingbird, and Allen's Hummingbird 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

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

7/19/2026Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/19/2026Village Green1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/18/2026La Canada Hummingbird Feeders2 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/18/2026Sepulveda Basin--East of Woodley Ave1 observed

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium gnoma

7/17/20262N50 Mt. Lowe Road overlook1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/12/2026Los Angeles River--Sunnynook Bridge1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/8/2026Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

27/18/2026

Mourning Dove

67/18/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

27/18/2026

American Coot

37/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/18/2026

Snowy Egret

17/18/2026

Green Heron

17/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

47/18/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/18/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

47/18/2026

Black Phoebe

47/18/2026

Western Kingbird

27/18/2026

Bell's Vireo

17/18/2026

California Scrub-Jay

27/18/2026

American Crow

27/18/2026

Common Raven

57/18/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

47/18/2026

Barn Swallow

47/18/2026

Cliff Swallow

37/18/2026

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 Hansen Dam for birding?
The best months to visit Hansen Dam for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Hansen Dam?
Notable species at Hansen Dam include Egyptian Goose, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, American Coot, Turkey Vulture. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hansen Dam?
Birding at Hansen Dam is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hansen Dam?
Hansen Dam offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.