Desert birding habitat

Pepperdine University ponds

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Pepperdine University ponds is a productive birding destination in California, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

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

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

7/4/2026Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook2 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

7/4/2026Ballona Freshwater Marsh2 observed

Brant

Branta bernicla

6/30/2026Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve (salt pan)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

77/12/2026

American Coot

27/12/2026

Western Gull

87/12/2026

California Gull

127/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

87/12/2026

Snowy Egret

47/12/2026

Great Egret

17/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/12/2026

Brown Pelican

87/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/12/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

47/12/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

17/12/2026

Mourning Dove

7/12/2026

Killdeer

27/12/2026

Green Heron

37/12/2026

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

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 Pepperdine University ponds for birding?
The best months to visit Pepperdine University ponds for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Pepperdine University ponds?
Notable species at Pepperdine University ponds include Cactus Wren, Greater Roadrunner, Gambel's Quail, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pepperdine University ponds?
Birding at Pepperdine University ponds is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pepperdine University ponds?
Pepperdine University ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.