Leo Carrillo State Park

California · Southwest

EasyView on eBird Directions

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

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

Cassin's Kingbird Spotted Towhee Dark-eyed Junco Nanday Parakeet Brown Pelican

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

7/17/2026Walter B. Moranda Park (incl. Bubbling Springs Rec Corridor)1 observed

Gambel's Quail

Callipepla gambelii

7/14/2026Las Virgenes Canyon Trail, West Hills US-CA (34.1711,-118.7035)1 observed

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

7/14/2026Las Virgenes Canyon Trail, West Hills US-CA (34.1711,-118.7035)1 observed

Black-vented Shearwater

Puffinus opisthomelas

7/11/2026Ormond Beach--Arnold Rd. access4 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/10/2026Lake Sherwood1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/7/2026Ormond Beach--Arnold Rd. access1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

7/6/2026Upper Las Virgenes Canyon OSP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

27/5/2026

Heermann's Gull

107/5/2026

Caspian Tern

27/5/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

127/5/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

47/5/2026

Brown Pelican

127/5/2026

Western Bluebird

27/5/2026

House Finch

47/5/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/5/2026

Savannah Sparrow

17/5/2026

California Towhee

47/5/2026

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in California

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Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching

8 min read

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.