Lake birding habitat

Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa is a productive birding destination in California, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Mallard 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

5/31/2026Los Angeles River--Sunnynook Bridge1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/31/2026Los Angeles River--Hyperion Ave to Fletcher Dr.1 observed

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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Village Green1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/30/2026Los Angeles River--Hyperion Ave to Fletcher Dr.1 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

Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid)

Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii

5/29/2026Hansen Dam1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

5/27/2026Griffith Observatory2 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

5/27/20265272 La Canada Blvd, La Cañada Flintridge US-CA 34.22158, -118.204351 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bell's Vireo

25/27/2026

Canada Goose

355/25/2026

Egyptian Goose

85/25/2026

Mallard

205/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/25/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/25/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/25/2026

Cliff Swallow

155/25/2026

House Sparrow

45/25/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

15/25/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

35/25/2026

Rock Pigeon

505/24/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/24/2026

Western Gull

15/24/2026

Black Phoebe

15/24/2026

Barn Swallow

105/24/2026

Bushtit

15/24/2026

Song Sparrow

25/24/2026

California Towhee

15/24/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa for birding?
The best months to visit Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa?
Notable species at Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Muscovy Duck x Mallard (hybrid), Ring-necked Duck. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa?
Birding at Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa?
Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.