Desert birding habitat

Ogier Ponds

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Ogier Ponds is a productive birding destination in California, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts White-tailed Kite, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Anna's Hummingbird 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

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

5/27/2026Penitencia Creek Trail2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/2026Lyle Ct. Aptos1 observed

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

5/25/2026Loma Prieta area (SCL Co.)1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/25/2026Henry Coe SP--Hunting Hollow entrance1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

5/25/2026Uvas Canyon County Park1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

5/24/2026Diablo Foothills Preserve (restricted access)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/24/2026Joseph D. Grant CP--ranch house area1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

5/23/2026My Yard1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Egret

15/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/26/2026

Bald Eagle

15/26/2026

Canada Goose

95/23/2026

Common Merganser

15/23/2026

California Quail

25/23/2026

Wild Turkey

55/23/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

15/23/2026

Mourning Dove

65/23/2026

White-throated Swift

45/23/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/23/2026

California Gull

755/23/2026

Caspian Tern

15/23/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/23/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

25/23/2026

Green Heron

35/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/23/2026

White-tailed Kite

25/23/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

45/23/2026

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 Ogier Ponds for birding?
The best months to visit Ogier Ponds for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Ogier Ponds?
Notable species at Ogier Ponds include White-tailed Kite, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Double-crested Cormorant, Green Heron. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ogier Ponds?
Birding at Ogier Ponds is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ogier Ponds?
Ogier Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.