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

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

7/15/2026Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve (salt pan)1 observed

Gambel's Quail

Callipepla gambelii

7/14/2026Las Virgenes Canyon Trail, West Hills US-CA (34.1711,-118.7035)1 observed

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

7/14/2026Las Virgenes Canyon Trail, West Hills US-CA (34.1711,-118.7035)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/12/2026Los Angeles River--Sunnynook Bridge1 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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/5/2026Village Green1 observed

California Gnatcatcher

Polioptila californica

7/4/2026Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook2 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

7/4/2026Ballona Freshwater Marsh2 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/3/2026Wildwood Canyon Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

7/13/2026

Mallard

7/13/2026

American Coot

37/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/13/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/13/2026

House Sparrow

27/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

7/13/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

7/13/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

7/13/2026

Graylag Goose

17/8/2026

Egyptian Goose

27/8/2026

Rock Pigeon

1007/8/2026

Mourning Dove

17/8/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

17/8/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/8/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/8/2026

Black Phoebe

37/8/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

17/8/2026

American Crow

17/8/2026

Barn Swallow

17/8/2026

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.