Hansen Dam

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Hansen Dam is a productive birding destination in California, with 289 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Egyptian Goose, Anna's Hummingbird, and Allen's Hummingbird 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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/5/2026Doris Japanese Garden2 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

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

3/3/2026UC Los Angeles--William Andrews Clark Memorial Library1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

3/1/2026Griffith Park--Mineral Wells Trail1 observed

Williamson's Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

3/1/2026Brand Park--Glendale (LA Co.)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/1/2026Kenneth Hahn SRA1 observed

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium gnoma

3/1/2026Angeles NF--Kenyon Devore to West Fork Campground2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Egyptian Goose

33/1/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/1/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

23/1/2026

American Coot

13/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

63/1/2026

Northern Flicker

23/1/2026

American Crow

13/1/2026

Common Raven

13/1/2026

Western Bluebird

13/1/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

33/1/2026

Lark Sparrow

13/1/2026

Savannah Sparrow

33/1/2026

California Towhee

13/1/2026

Common Yellowthroat

13/1/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

3/1/2026

Canada Goose

22/28/2026

Cinnamon Teal

12/28/2026

American Wigeon

22/28/2026

Mallard

32/28/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

22/28/2026

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 Hansen Dam for birding?
The best months to visit Hansen Dam for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Hansen Dam?
Notable species at Hansen Dam include Egyptian Goose, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, American Coot, Turkey Vulture. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hansen Dam?
Birding at Hansen Dam is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hansen Dam?
Hansen Dam offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.