Playa del Rey/Ballona area

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/5/2026Doris Japanese Garden2 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/5/2026Athens Park1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

3/5/2026Griffith Park--Mineral Wells Trail1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/5/2026Griffith Park--Mineral Wells Trail1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

3/5/2026Madrona Marsh8 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026Earvin Magic Johnson Park1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

3/4/2026Earvin Magic Johnson Park1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/4/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

93/5/2026

Surf Scoter

433/5/2026

Bufflehead

53/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

13/5/2026

White-throated Swift

33/5/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

43/5/2026

Black Oystercatcher

23/5/2026

Long-billed Curlew

23/5/2026

Marbled Godwit

13/5/2026

Willet

803/5/2026

Western Sandpiper

73/5/2026

Western Gull

33/5/2026

California Gull

63/5/2026

Eared Grebe

23/5/2026

Western Grebe

73/5/2026

Common Loon

23/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

193/5/2026

Snowy Egret

23/5/2026

Great Egret

13/5/2026

Brown Pelican

113/5/2026

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.