Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa

California · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa is a productive birding destination in California, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, and Mallard 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

3/6/2026Doris Japanese Garden2 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/6/2026El Cariso Golf Course, Los Angeles US-CA 34.31373, -118.410262 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/6/2026Kenneth Hahn SRA1 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

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

3/3/2026Loyola Marymount University--Alumni Mall1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/1/2026Havelock1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

123/3/2026

American Wigeon

113/3/2026

Mallard

253/3/2026

Muscovy Duck x Mallard (hybrid)

33/3/2026

Ring-necked Duck

13/3/2026

Lesser Scaup

113/3/2026

Ruddy Duck

23/3/2026

Rock Pigeon

1563/3/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/3/2026

American Coot

4753/3/2026

Western Gull

23/3/2026

California Gull

93/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

53/3/2026

Snowy Egret

23/3/2026

Great Egret

13/3/2026

American White Pelican

13/3/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/3/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Black Phoebe

23/3/2026

Bushtit

23/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa for birding?
The best months to visit Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa?
Notable species at Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Muscovy Duck x Mallard (hybrid), Ring-necked Duck. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa?
Birding at Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa?
Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.