Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve

Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve is a 225-acre urban oasis tucked within the much larger Sepulveda Basin recreation area in the San Fernando Valley. This restored wetland and native plant community along the Los Angeles River channel has recorded over 200 bird species, making it one of the most productive inland birding sites in the Los Angeles area.

The reserve features a wildlife lake, riparian woodland, coastal sage scrub, and freshwater marsh that attract a surprising diversity of waterfowl, herons, raptors, and songbirds. Green Herons, Black-crowned Night-Herons, and Wood Ducks breed here, while wintering ducks and migrant songbirds swell the species list seasonally. The reserve is managed as habitat rather than recreation, providing a quiet and productive birding experience.