Ballona Freshwater Marsh

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Ballona Freshwater Marsh is a productive birding destination in California, with 256 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/6/2026Malibu Lagoon--State Beach including Lagoon2 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/6/2026Doris Japanese Garden1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/6/2026LMU Jesuit Community Chapel, Los Angeles US-CA (33.9717,-118.4183)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/6/2026Kenneth Hahn SRA1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/6/2026Los Angeles River--Soto St.1 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/6/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

3/6/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/6/2026Los Angeles River--Willow St.1 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

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

3/4/2026My Yard1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

103/6/2026

Mallard

103/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

303/6/2026

Rock Pigeon

23/6/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

33/6/2026

American Coot

23/6/2026

Western Gull

53/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

33/6/2026

Eared Grebe

13/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

33/6/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

23/6/2026

Snowy Egret

73/6/2026

Great Egret

103/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

63/6/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/6/2026

Black Phoebe

23/6/2026

American Crow

23/6/2026

Common Raven

13/6/2026

Tree Swallow

103/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ballona Freshwater Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Ballona Freshwater Marsh for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Ballona Freshwater Marsh?
Notable species at Ballona Freshwater Marsh include Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ballona Freshwater Marsh?
Birding at Ballona Freshwater Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ballona Freshwater Marsh?
Ballona Freshwater Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.