Ojai Meadows

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Ojai Meadows is a productive birding destination in California, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, and California Quail among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/4/2026Padaro Lane1 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

3/4/2026Lake Jocelyn1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/3/2026Bates Rd. bridge (VEN Co.)1 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

2/24/2026Bates Rd. bridge (VEN Co.)1 observed

American x Black Oystercatcher (hybrid)

Haematopus palliatus x bachmani

2/24/2026Ventura Harbor--Marina Park1 observed

Pacific Wren

Troglodytes pacificus

2/23/2026Bates Rd. bridge (VEN Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-winged Blackbird

203/2/2026

Mallard

73/2/2026

California Quail

13/2/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

13/2/2026

Mourning Dove

33/2/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/2/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

13/2/2026

American Coot

43/2/2026

Great Egret

23/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

53/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/2/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

23/2/2026

Northern Flicker

23/2/2026

Merlin

13/2/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

43/2/2026

California Scrub-Jay

33/2/2026

American Crow

13/2/2026

Oak Titmouse

23/2/2026

Bushtit

53/2/2026

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 Ojai Meadows for birding?
The best months to visit Ojai Meadows for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Ojai Meadows?
Notable species at Ojai Meadows include Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, California Quail, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ojai Meadows?
Birding at Ojai Meadows is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ojai Meadows?
Ojai Meadows offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.