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

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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

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

7/15/2026Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve (salt pan)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

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/10/2026Lake Sherwood1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/8/2026Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

7/6/2026Upper Las Virgenes Canyon OSP1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

7/4/2026Ballona Freshwater Marsh2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Band-tailed Pigeon

17/12/2026

Mourning Dove

7/12/2026

American Coot

17/12/2026

Killdeer

27/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/12/2026

Snowy Egret

17/12/2026

Green Heron

37/12/2026

Great Egret

17/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

7/12/2026

Osprey

17/12/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/12/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

7/12/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

17/12/2026

American Kestrel

27/12/2026

Nanday Parakeet

57/12/2026

Black Phoebe

37/12/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

37/12/2026

American Crow

37/12/2026

Common Raven

17/12/2026

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.