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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/27/2026Walter B. Moranda Park (incl. Bubbling Springs Rec Corridor)1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

5/26/2026Santa Monica Mtns. NRA--Nicholas Flats1 observed

Grace's Warbler

Setophaga graciae

5/25/2026Peter Strauss Ranch1 observed

Cackling Goose (Aleutian)

Branta hutchinsii

5/22/2026Rancho Simi Community Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

35/26/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

15/26/2026

Heermann's Gull

15/26/2026

Western Gull

55/26/2026

Elegant Tern

65/26/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

125/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/26/2026

Nanday Parakeet

75/26/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

25/26/2026

California Scrub-Jay

95/26/2026

American Crow

75/26/2026

Bushtit

45/26/2026

Wrentit

35/26/2026

Bewick's Wren

35/26/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/26/2026

Western Bluebird

25/26/2026

House Finch

55/26/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

25/26/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

25/26/2026

Song Sparrow

35/26/2026

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.