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

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/28/2026Los Angeles River--Sunnynook Bridge1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

5/27/2026Griffith Observatory2 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/27/20265272 La Canada Blvd, La Cañada Flintridge US-CA 34.22158, -118.204351 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/27/2026Hollywood Reservoir3 observed

Anna's Hummingbird x Selasphorus sp. (hybrid)

Calypte anna x Selasphorus sp.

5/26/20261201 Montecito Dr, Los Angeles US-CA 34.08812, -118.199261 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/26/2026Hollywood Reservoir1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

5/24/2026Descanso Gardens1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

5/19/2026Plum Canyon Park/Mystery Mesa Trailhead2 observed

Brown Pelican (California)

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/18/2026Silver Lake Reservoir (LA Co.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

85/29/2026

Egyptian Goose

15/29/2026

Mourning Dove

75/29/2026

White-throated Swift

45/29/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

15/29/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/29/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

25/29/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/29/2026

Western Grebe

15/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/29/2026

Green Heron

45/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/29/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/29/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/29/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

45/29/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Red-crowned Amazon

85/29/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/29/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/29/2026

Western Flycatcher

25/29/2026

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.