Desert birding habitat

Leo Carrillo State Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Leo Carrillo State Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Cassin's Kingbird, Spotted Towhee, and Dark-eyed Junco 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

Lucy's Warbler

Leiothlypis luciae

4/15/2026Hill Canyon1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

4/12/2026Leo Carrillo SP--seawatch1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/10/2026Underwood1 observed

Red-crowned Amazon

Amazona viridigenalis

4/10/2026Santa Monica Mnts NRA Rancho Sierra Vista/ Satwiwa, Newbury Park US-CA 34.15307, -118.9655710 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/10/2026Lake Sherwood1 observed

Black-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata

4/10/2026Hill Canyon2 observed

Western Wood-Pewee

Contopus sordidulus

4/6/2026Hill Canyon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

14/11/2026

Mourning Dove

24/11/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

14/11/2026

Heermann's Gull

44/11/2026

Western Gull

64/11/2026

Western Grebe

24/11/2026

Red-throated Loon

24/11/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

104/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

104/11/2026

Brown Pelican

104/11/2026

Northern Harrier

14/11/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/11/2026

Nanday Parakeet

204/11/2026

Black Phoebe

24/11/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

24/11/2026

California Scrub-Jay

14/11/2026

American Crow

24/11/2026

Tree Swallow

24/11/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

104/11/2026

Barn Swallow

104/11/2026

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 Leo Carrillo State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Leo Carrillo State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Leo Carrillo State Park?
Notable species at Leo Carrillo State Park include Cassin's Kingbird, Spotted Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, Nanday Parakeet, Brown Pelican. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Leo Carrillo State Park?
Birding at Leo Carrillo State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Leo Carrillo State Park?
Leo Carrillo State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.