Desert birding habitat

Ojai Meadows

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Ojai Meadows is a productive birding destination in California, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, and California Quail 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 Parula

Setophaga americana

7/13/2026Avenal St. and Santa Ana Rd.1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/9/2026Santa Clara River Estuary1 observed

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

7/2/2026Foster Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

57/12/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/12/2026

Mourning Dove

37/12/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

57/12/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

17/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

207/12/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/12/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Peregrine Falcon

17/12/2026

Black Phoebe

37/12/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

37/12/2026

California Scrub-Jay

77/12/2026

American Crow

307/12/2026

Common Raven

27/12/2026

Cliff Swallow

57/12/2026

Wrentit

17/12/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/12/2026

Western Bluebird

27/12/2026

House Finch

207/12/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

107/12/2026

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 Ojai Meadows for birding?
The best months to visit Ojai Meadows for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Ojai Meadows?
Notable species at Ojai Meadows include Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, California Quail, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ojai Meadows?
Birding at Ojai Meadows is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ojai Meadows?
Ojai Meadows offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.