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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/20/2026Ballona Creek--lower1 observed

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

7/19/2026Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/19/2026Village Green1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

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

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

7/18/2026Playa del Rey/Ballona area1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/18/2026Playa del Rey/Ballona area3 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

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

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

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

17/21/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

17/21/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

17/21/2026

California Scrub-Jay

17/21/2026

Bushtit

17/21/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/21/2026

House Finch

17/21/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

17/21/2026

California Towhee

17/21/2026

Hooded Oriole

17/21/2026

Canada Goose

37/21/2026

Mallard

37/21/2026

Mourning Dove

17/21/2026

Western Gull

257/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/21/2026

Black Phoebe

27/21/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

17/21/2026

American Crow

17/21/2026

Common Raven

47/21/2026

Barn Swallow

47/21/2026

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.