River/Riparian birding habitat

Malibu Creek State Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Malibu Creek State Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Band-tailed Pigeon, and Mourning Dove among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

5/31/2026Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area--Entire Area1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/30/2026Topanga State Park, Los Angeles US-CA 34.09331, -118.58747Eat1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/29/202613786–13804 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey US-CA 33.97102, -118.445071 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

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/23/2026Ballona Freshwater Marsh1 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

Mallard

85/29/2026

California Quail

55/29/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

25/29/2026

Mourning Dove

45/29/2026

White-throated Swift

35/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/29/2026

Snowy Egret

35/29/2026

Great Egret

25/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/29/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/29/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/29/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

105/29/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

25/29/2026

American Kestrel

35/29/2026

Western Flycatcher

35/29/2026

Black Phoebe

15/29/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

25/29/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

35/29/2026

Hutton's Vireo

15/29/2026

California Scrub-Jay

75/29/2026

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 Malibu Creek State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Malibu Creek State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Malibu Creek State Park?
Notable species at Malibu Creek State Park include Rock Pigeon, Band-tailed Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Malibu Creek State Park?
Birding at Malibu Creek State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Malibu Creek State Park?
Malibu Creek State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.