River/Riparian birding habitat

Los Angeles River - Frogtown

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Los Angeles River - Frogtown is a productive birding destination in California, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Bufflehead 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

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

7/11/202610775 Deshire Place, Culver City, California, US (34.002, -118.392)

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

7/10/2026Santa Fe Dam--Nature Center Area2 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/8/2026Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve1 observed

Curve-billed Thrasher

Toxostoma curvirostre

7/8/2026Santa Fe Dam Nature Center1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/5/2026Village Green1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/4/2026Angeles Crest Hwy--Barley Flats Road1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

7/4/2026Ballona Freshwater Marsh2 observed

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium gnoma

7/3/2026Angeles NF--Rim Trail, Mt. Wilson to Newcomb Pass1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/3/2026Wildwood Canyon Park1 observed

Snow x Ross's Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x rossii

7/3/2026Santa Fe Dam Rec. Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

257/11/2026

Rock Pigeon

67/11/2026

Mourning Dove

27/11/2026

American Coot

17/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

57/11/2026

Snowy Egret

47/11/2026

Great Egret

47/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

87/11/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/11/2026

Black Phoebe

57/11/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

27/11/2026

American Crow

27/11/2026

Common Raven

87/11/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

67/11/2026

Barn Swallow

67/11/2026

House Sparrow

257/11/2026

House Finch

67/11/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/11/2026

Song Sparrow

57/11/2026

Common Yellowthroat

77/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Los Angeles River - Frogtown for birding?
The best months to visit Los Angeles River - Frogtown for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Los Angeles River - Frogtown?
Notable species at Los Angeles River - Frogtown include Canada Goose, Mallard, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Rock Pigeon. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Los Angeles River - Frogtown?
Birding at Los Angeles River - Frogtown is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Los Angeles River - Frogtown?
Los Angeles River - Frogtown offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.