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

Hutton's Vireo

Vireo huttoni

5/31/2026Concert Park

Masked Booby

Sula dactylatra

5/31/2026Charlie Beach, Los Angeles US-CA 33.96392, -118.459581 observed

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

Gadwall

25/31/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

15/31/2026

Killdeer

65/31/2026

Elegant Tern

105/31/2026

Royal Tern

305/31/2026

Snowy Egret

25/31/2026

Brown Pelican

305/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/31/2026

Western Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Mallard

25/30/2026

Mourning Dove

15/30/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/30/2026

Heermann's Gull

175/30/2026

Western Gull

255/30/2026

Caspian Tern

55/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

65/30/2026

Black Phoebe

15/30/2026

American Crow

35/30/2026

Barn Swallow

15/30/2026

Bushtit

75/30/2026

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.