Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
CanyonUrban Park
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 7:30 AM - sunset

About This Location

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 274 species recorded on eBird. This canyon and urban park habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, and Nuttall's Woodpecker 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

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/6/2026Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/5/2026Demuth Park (Palm Springs)2 observed

Wrentit

Chamaea fasciata

3/4/2026Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/4/2026Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park1 observed

Nuttall's Woodpecker

Dryobates nuttallii

3/4/2026Palm Springs--The Wellness Park/Ruth Hardy Park1 observed

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

3/4/2026Mission Lakes Country Club5 observed

Bronzed Cowbird

Molothrus aeneus

3/3/2026Palm Springs International Airport1 observed

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

3/3/2026Araby Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

53/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/6/2026

Northern Flicker

13/6/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/6/2026

Cedar Waxwing

153/6/2026

Gambel's Quail

13/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

73/6/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

23/6/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

33/6/2026

Cooper's Hawk

33/6/2026

American Kestrel

13/6/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

13/6/2026

California Scrub-Jay

63/6/2026

Common Raven

33/6/2026

Oak Titmouse

23/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

23/6/2026

Phainopepla

13/6/2026

House Finch

83/6/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

53/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Hummingbird feeders at nature centers and lodges attract multiple species — visit during late summer for peak diversity.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park for birding?
The best months to visit Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park?
Notable species at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park include White-winged Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Nuttall's Woodpecker, California Scrub-Jay, Oak Titmouse, Common Raven, House Sparrow, Brewer's Blackbird, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Bewick's Wren, House Finch. The area supports canyon, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park?
Birding at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park?
There is no entrance fee at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park. Hours: Open daily, 7:30 AM - sunset.
What amenities are available at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park?
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.