Lake birding habitat

Hollywood Reservoir

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Hollywood Reservoir is a productive birding destination in California, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Mallard, and Ring-necked Duck 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

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

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/27/2026Atwater Village1 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

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/23/2026Ballona Freshwater Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/27/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/27/2026

Mourning Dove

35/27/2026

Western Gull

455/27/2026

California Gull

45/27/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

85/27/2026

Western Grebe

35/27/2026

Clark's Grebe

15/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

45/27/2026

Snowy Egret

15/27/2026

Brown Pelican

35/27/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

15/27/2026

California Scrub-Jay

35/27/2026

Oak Titmouse

25/27/2026

Cliff Swallow

45/27/2026

Bushtit

75/27/2026

Wrentit

25/27/2026

Northern Mockingbird

45/27/2026

Scaly-breasted Munia

35/27/2026

House Finch

45/27/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hollywood Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Hollywood Reservoir for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Hollywood Reservoir?
Notable species at Hollywood Reservoir include Cinnamon Teal, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Mourning Dove. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hollywood Reservoir?
Birding at Hollywood Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hollywood Reservoir?
Hollywood Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.