Ferndale Bottoms

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Ferndale Bottoms is a productive birding destination in California, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/5/2026333-399 Sub Station Road, Ferndale, California, US (40.606, -124.208)1 observed

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

3/5/2026my yard1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/3/2026Ferndale Bottoms--Goble Lane east of Sage rd.1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/3/2026Irving Home1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/1/2026Table Bluff--Phelan rd.1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/1/2026Loleta Bottoms--O'Neil Dairy1 observed

Common x Barrow's Goldeneye (hybrid)

Bucephala clangula x islandica

3/1/2026BAGO pond

Red-winged Blackbird (California Bicolored)

Agelaius phoeniceus

3/1/2026North Myrtletown neighborhood and marshes3 observed

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 Ferndale Bottoms for birding?
The best months to visit Ferndale Bottoms for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Ferndale Bottoms?
Notable species at Ferndale Bottoms include Cactus Wren, Greater Roadrunner, Gambel's Quail, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ferndale Bottoms?
Birding at Ferndale Bottoms is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ferndale Bottoms?
Ferndale Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.