Desert birding habitat

Playa del Rey/Ballona area

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Playa del Rey/Ballona area is a productive birding destination in California, with 269 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Bonaparte's Gull, Lesser Scaup, and Surf Scoter 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

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

5/28/2026Los Angeles River--Sunnynook Bridge1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

5/27/2026Griffith Observatory2 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/27/2026Hollywood Reservoir3 observed

Anna's Hummingbird x Selasphorus sp. (hybrid)

Calypte anna x Selasphorus sp.

5/26/20261201 Montecito Dr, Los Angeles US-CA 34.08812, -118.199261 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/26/2026Hollywood Reservoir1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/25/2026AES Redondo Wetland1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/23/2026Ballona Freshwater Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

85/28/2026

Surf Scoter

55/28/2026

Rock Pigeon

455/28/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

15/28/2026

Black Oystercatcher

15/28/2026

Elegant Tern

395/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

85/28/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

15/28/2026

Snowy Egret

45/28/2026

Brown Pelican

105/28/2026

American Crow

15/28/2026

Barn Swallow

35/28/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

25/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/28/2026

Gadwall

45/27/2026

Ruddy Duck

25/27/2026

American Coot

35/27/2026

Western Gull

25/27/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

25/27/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/27/2026

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 Playa del Rey/Ballona area for birding?
The best months to visit Playa del Rey/Ballona area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Playa del Rey/Ballona area?
Notable species at Playa del Rey/Ballona area include Bonaparte's Gull, Lesser Scaup, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Rock Pigeon. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Playa del Rey/Ballona area?
Birding at Playa del Rey/Ballona area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Playa del Rey/Ballona area?
Playa del Rey/Ballona area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.