Bette Davis Picnic Area

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Bette Davis Picnic Area is a productive birding destination in California, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mallard, and Ring-necked Duck 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

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/6/2026El Cariso Golf Course, Los Angeles US-CA 34.31373, -118.410262 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/6/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

3/6/2026Belvedere Park Lake1 observed

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

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

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

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026Earvin Magic Johnson Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

43/6/2026

Egyptian Goose

53/6/2026

American Wigeon

323/6/2026

Mallard

133/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

43/6/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/6/2026

Mourning Dove

43/6/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

23/6/2026

American Coot

133/6/2026

Black-necked Stilt

243/6/2026

Killdeer

43/6/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

33/6/2026

Western Gull

13/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

103/6/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Red-crowned Amazon

113/6/2026

Black Phoebe

53/6/2026

American Crow

93/6/2026

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 Bette Davis Picnic Area for birding?
The best months to visit Bette Davis Picnic Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Bette Davis Picnic Area?
Notable species at Bette Davis Picnic Area include American Wigeon, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, American Coot. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bette Davis Picnic Area?
Birding at Bette Davis Picnic Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bette Davis Picnic Area?
Bette Davis Picnic Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.