Leo Carrillo State Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Leo Carrillo State Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Cassin's Kingbird, Spotted Towhee, and Dark-eyed Junco 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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/4/2026Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Malibu US-CA 34.09152, -118.809221 observed

Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope)

Empidonax difficilis

3/3/2026Conejo Creek North Park1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

2/28/2026Conejo Open Space--Rancho Potrero10 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

2/22/202693012, Camarillo US-CA (34.1682,-119.0391)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cassin's Kingbird

13/4/2026

Spotted Towhee

13/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

13/4/2026

Nanday Parakeet

13/4/2026

Brown Pelican

13/3/2026

Cliff Swallow

13/3/2026

Western Gull

3/3/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

22/24/2026

California Scrub-Jay

22/24/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

22/24/2026

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 Leo Carrillo State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Leo Carrillo State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Leo Carrillo State Park?
Notable species at Leo Carrillo State Park include Cassin's Kingbird, Spotted Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, Nanday Parakeet, Brown Pelican. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Leo Carrillo State Park?
Birding at Leo Carrillo State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Leo Carrillo State Park?
Leo Carrillo State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.