Sepulveda Basin WR

34.17517 , -118.47487

United States of America (USA)

The Sepulveda basin is a floodplain along the Los Angeles River. Together with Lake Balboa Park, golf courses and other facilities to the west, the reserve makes up the largest green area in the San Fernando Valley to the north of Los Angeles, totaling some 2100 acres. The reserve itself covers 225 acres.

Restoration of the wetlands is under way, with the Friends of the Los Angeles River organizing volunteers. Over 300 bird species have been reported.

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The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 34.1752/-118.4749 (2020-11-22 19:58:02 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Sepulveda Basin WR" (2020-11-22 19:58:02 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-17 12:30:55
The Sepulveda basin is a floodplain along the Los Angeles River. Together with Lake Balboa Park, golf courses and other facilities to the west, the reserve makes up the largest green area in the San Fernando Valley ("the Valley") to Valley to the north of Los Angeles, totaling some 2100 acres. The reserve itself covers 225 acres. Restoration of the wetlands is under way, with the Friends of the Los Angeles River organizing volunteers. Over 300 bird species have been reported.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-16 06:24:59
The Sepulveda basin is a floodplain along the Los Angeles River. Together with Lake Balboa Park, the Balboa golf course courses and other facilities to the west, the reserve makes up the largest green area in the San Fernando Valley ("the Valley") to the north of Los Angeles, totaling some 2100 acres. The reserve itself covers 225 acres. Restoration of the wetlands is under way, with the Friends of the Los Angeles River organizing volunteers. Over 300 bird species have been reported.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 11:55:40
The Sepulveda basin is a floodplain along the Los Angeles River. Together witth with Lake Balboa Park, the Balboa golf course and other sports facilities to the west, the reserve makes up the largest green area in the San Fernando Valley ("the Valley") to the north of Los Angeles.Angeles, totaling some 2100 acres. The reserve itself covers 225 acres. Restoration of the wetlands is under way, with the Friends of the Los Angeles River organizing volunteers. Over 300 bird species have been reported.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 11:21:44
The Sepulveda basin is a floodplain along the Los Angeles River. Together witth Lake Balboa Park, the Balboa golf course and other sports facilities to the west, the reserve makes up the largest green area in the San Fernando Valley ("the Valley") to the north of Los Angeles. The reserve covers 225 acres. Restoration of the wetlands is under way, with the Friends of the Los Angeles River organizing volunteers. Over 300 bird species have been reported.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 11:19:16
The Sepulveda basin is a floodplain along the Los Angeles River. Together witth Lake Balboa Park, the Balboa golf course and other sports facilities to the west, the reserve makes up the largest green area in the San Fernando Valley ("the Valley") to the north of Los Angeles. The reserve covers 225 acres. Restoration of the wetlands is under way, with the Friends of the Los Angeles River organizing volunteers.

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis)
Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)
Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum)
American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Nuttall's Woodpecker (Dryobates nuttallii)
Say's Phoebe (Sayornis saya)
Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens)
Cassin's Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans)
Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea)
Lawrence's Goldfinch (Spinus lawrencei)
Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens)
Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullockii)

Nuttall's Woodpecker (Dryobates nuttallii) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 12:53:37)

Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 12:38:46)

Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 12:28:19)

White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 12:28:09)

Lawrence's Goldfinch (Spinus lawrencei) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 11:42:00)

Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullockii) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 11:41:50)

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 11:41:00)

Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 11:40:10)

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 11:39:49)

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 11:39:18)

Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 11:39:04)

Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 11:36:50)

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 11:35:11)

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 11:34:57)

Cassin's Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 11:27:21)

Say's Phoebe (Sayornis saya) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 11:26:13)

Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2026-04-15 11:26:00)

From the parking areas, walk south towards the lake. The grassy area has Western Bluebird.  
The scrub hosts flycatchers such as Cassin's and Western Kingbird, Say's and Black Phoebe, Ash-throated and Vermillion Flycatcher as well as California Towhee and other sparrows and finches. Along the west bank of the lake are several observation platforms. It is also possible to walk all round the lake. The riparian habitat has Blue Grosbeak, Bell's Vireo and Yellow Warbler in summer. Allen's and Anna's Hummingbirds are resident, while Black-chinned Hummingbird is a summer visitor.

The lake has resident Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron and Double-breasted Cormorant. American White Pelican, Neotropic Cormorant and White-faced Ibis occur throughout the year. Various ducks and geese visit in winter and a wide range of shorebirds occur on passage.

Exotic birds include Pin-tailed Whydah, Northern Red Bishop and Yellow-chevronned Parakeet.

The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society runs the Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing on the first Sunday of every month, as well as other events. Please see the society's website at https://sfvaudubon.org/venue/sepulveda-basin-wildlife-area/

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-17 11:48
From the parking areas, walk south towards the lake. The grassy area has Western Bluebird.   The scrub hosts flycatchers such as Cassin's and Western Kingbird, Say's and Black Phoebe, Ash-throated and Vermillion Flycatcher as well as California Towhee and other sparrows and finches. Along the west bank of the lake are several observation platforms. It is also possible to walk all round the lake. The riparian habitat has Blue Grosbeak, Bell's Vireo and Yellow Warbler in summer. Allen's and Anna's Hummingbirds are resident, while Black-chinned Hummingbird is a summer visitor. The lake has resident Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron and Double-breasted Cormorant. American White Pelican, Neotropic Cormorant and White-faced Ibis occur throughout the year. A wide Various ducks and geese visit in winter and a wide range of shorebirds occur on passage. Exotic birds include Pin-tailed Whydah, Northern Red Bishop and Yellow-chevronned Parakeet. The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society runs the Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing on the first Sunday of every month, as well as other events. Please see the society's website at https://sfvaudubon.org/venue/sepulveda-basin-wildlife-area/
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-16 07:19
From the parking areas, walk south towards the lake. The grassy area has Western Bluebird.   The scrub hosts flycatchers such as Cassin's and Western Kingbird, Say's and Black Phoebe, Ash-throated and Vermillion Flycatcher as well as California Towhee and other sparrows and finches. Along the west bank of the lake are several observation platforms. It is also possible to walk all round the lake. The riparian habitat has Blue Grosbeak, Bell's Vireo and Yellow Warbler in summer. Allen's and Anna's Hummingbirds are resident, while Black-chinned Hummingbird is a summer visitor. The lake has resident Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron and Double-breasted Cormorant. American White Pelican, Neotropic Cormorant and White-faced Ibis occur throughout the year. A wide range of shorebirds occur on passage. Exotic birds include Pin-tailed Whydah, Red-crowned Amazon and Northern Red Bishop and Yellow-chevronned Parakeet. The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society runs the Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing on the first Sunday of every month, as well as other events. Please see the society's website at https://sfvaudubon.org/venue/sepulveda-basin-wildlife-area/
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 12:58
From the parking areas, walk south towards the lake. The grassy area has Western Bluebird.   The scrub hosts flycatchers such as Cassin's and Western Kingbird, Say's and Black Phoebe, Ash-throated and Vermillion Flycatcher as well as California Towhee and other sparrows and finches. Along the west bank of the lake are several observation platforms. It is also possible to walk all round the lake. The riparian habitat has Blue Grosbeak, Bell's Vireo and Yellow Warbler in summer. Allen's and Anna's Hummingbirds are resident, while Black-chinned Hummingbird is a summer visitor. The lake has resident Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron and Double-breasted Cormorant. American White Pelican, Neotropic Cormorant and White-faced Ibis occur throughout the year. A wide range of shorebirds occur on passage. Exotic birds include Pin-tailed Whydah, Red-crowned Amazon and Yellow-chevronned Parakeet. The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society runs the Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing on the first Sunday of every month.month, as well as other events. Please see the society's website at https://sfvaudubon.org/venue/sepulveda-basin-wildlife-area/
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 12:23
From the parking areas, walk south towards the lake. The grassy area has Western Bluebird.   The scrub hosts flycatchers such as Cassin's and Western Kingbird, Say's and Black Phoebe, Ash-throated and Vermillion Flycatcher as well as California Towhee and other sparrows.sparrows and finches. Along the west bank of the lake are several observation platforms. It is also possible to walk all round the lake. The riparian habitat has Blue Grosbeak, Bell's Vireo and Yellow Warbler in summer. Allen's and Anna's Hummingbirds are resident, while Black-chinned Hummingbird is a summer visitor. The lake has resident Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron and Double-breasted Cormorant. American White Pelican, Neotropic Cormorant and White-faced Ibis occur throughout the year. A wide range of shorebirds occur on passage. Exotic birds include Pin-tailed Whydah, Red-crowned Amazon and Yellow-chevronned Parakeet. The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society runs the Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing on the first Sunday of every month.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 12:20
From the parking areas, walk south towards the lake. The grassy area has Western Bluebird.   The scrub hosts flycatchers such as Cassin's and Western Kingbird, Say's and Black Phoebe, Ash-throated and Vermillion Flycatcher as well as California Towhee and other sparrows. Along the west bank of the lake are several observation platforms. It is also possible to walk all round the lake. The riparian habitat has Blue Grosbeak, Bell's Vireo and Yellow Warbler in summer. Allen's and Anna's Hummingbirds are resident, while Black-chinned Hummingbird is a summer visitor. The lake has resident Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron and Double-breasted Cormorant. American White Pelican, Neotropic Cormorant and White-faced Ibis occur throughout the year. A wide range of shorebirds occur on passage. Exotic birds include Pin-tailed Whydah, Red-crowned Amazon and Yellow-chevronned Parakeet. The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society runs the Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing on the first Sunday of every month.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 12:19
From the parking areas, walk south towards the lake. The grassy area has Western Bluebird.   The scrub hosts flycatchers such as Cassin's Kingbird, Say's Phoebe, Ash-throated and Vermillion Flycatcher as well as California Towhee and other sparrows. Along the west bank of the lake are several observation platforms. It is also possible to walk all round the lake. The riparian habitat has Blue Grosbeak, Bell's Vireo and Yellow Warbler in summer. Allen's and Anna's Hummingbirds are resident, while Black-chinned Hummingbird is a summer visitor. The lake has resident Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron and Double-breasted Cormorant. American White Pelican, Neotropic Cormorant and White-faced Ibis occur throughout the year. A wide range of shorebirds occur on passage. Exotic birds such as include Pin-tailed Whydah, REd-corened Amzon Red-crowned Amazon and Yelow-chevroned PArakeet. Yellow-chevronned Parakeet. The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society runs the Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing on the first Sunday of every month.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 12:16
From the parking areas, walk south towards the lake. The grassy area has Western Bluebird.   The scrub hosts flycatchers such as Cassin's Kingbird, Say's Phoebe, Ash-throated and Vermillion Flycatcher as well as California Towhee and other sparrows. Along the west bank of the lake are several observation platforms. It is also possible to walk all round the lake. The riparian habitat has Blue Grosbeak Grosbeak, Bell's Vireo and Yellow Warbler in summer. Allen's and Anna's Hummingbirds are resident, while Black-chinned Hummingbird is a summer visitor. The lake has resident Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron and Double-breasted Cormorant. American White Pelican, Neotropic Cormorant and White-faced Ibis occur throughout the year. A wide range of shorebirds occur on passage. Exotic birds such as Pin-tailed Whydah, REd-corened Amzon and Yelow-chevroned PArakeet. The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society runs the Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing on the first Sunday of every month.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 12:10
From the parking areas, walk south towards the lake. The grassy area has Western Bluebird.   The scrub hosts flycatchers such as Cassin's Kingbird, Say's Phoebe, Ash-throated and Vermillion Flycatcher as well as California Towhee and other sparrows. Along the west bank of the lake are several observation platforms. It is also possible to walk all round the lake. The riparian habitat has Blue Grosbeak and Yellow Warbler in summer.  Allen's  Allen's and Anna's Hummingbirds are resident, while Black-chinned Hummingbird is a summer visitor. The lake has resident Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron and Double-breasted Cormorant. American White Pelican, Neotropic Cormorant and White-faced Ibis occur throughout the year. A wide range of shorebirds occur on passage. The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society runs the Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing on the first Sunday of every month.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 12:10
From the parking areas, walk south towards the lake. The grassy area has Western Bluebird.   The scrub hosts flycatchers such as Cassin's Kingbird, Say's Phoebe, Ash-throated and Vermillion Flycatcher as well as California Towhee and other sparrows. Along the west bank of the lake are several observation platforms. It is also possible to walk all round the lake. The riparian habitat has Blue Grosbeak and Yellow Warbler in summer.  Allen's and Anna's Hummingbirds are resident, while Black-chinned Hummingbird is a summer visitor. The lake has resident Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron and Double-breasted Cormorant. American White Pelican, Neotropic Cormorant and White-faced Ibis occur throughout the year. A wide range of shorebirds occur on passage. The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society runs the Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing on the first Sunday of every month.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 11:56
From the parking areas, walk south towards the lake. The grassy area has Western Bluebird.   The scrub hosts flycatchers such as Cassin's Kingbird, Say's Phoebe, Ash-throated and Vermillion Flycatcher.Flycatcher as well as California Towhee and other sparrows. Along the west bank of the lake are several observation platforms. It is also possible to walk all round the lake. The riparian habitat has Blue Grosbeak and Yellow Warbler in summer.  Allen's and Anna's Hummingbirds are resident, while Black-chinned Hummingbird is a summer visitor. The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society runs the Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing on the first Sunday of every month.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 11:40
From the parking areas, walk south towards the lake. The grassy area has Western Bluebird.   The scrub hosts flycatchers such as Cassin's Kingbird, Say's Phoebe and Phoebe, Ash-throated and Vermillion Flycatcher. Along the west bank of the lake are several observation platforms. It is also possible to walk all round the lake. The riparian habitat has Blue Grosbeak and Yellow Warbler in summer.  Allen's and Anna's Hummingbirds are resident, while Black-chinned Hummingbird is a summer visitor. The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society runs the Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing on the first Sunday of every month.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 11:38
From the parking areas, walk south towards the lake. The grassy area has Western Bluebird.   The scrub hosts flycatchers such as Cassin's Kingbird, Say's Phoebe and Vermillion Flycatcher. Along the west bank of the lake are several observation platforms. It is also possible to walk all round the lake. The riparian habitat has Blue Grosbeak and Yellow Warbler in summer.  Allen's and Anna's Hummingbirds are resident, while Black-chinned Hummingbird is a summer visitor. The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society runs the Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing on the first Sunday of every month.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 11:36
From the parking areas, walk south towards the lake. The grassy area has Western Bluebird.   The scrub hosts flycatchers such as Cassin's Kingbird, Say's Phoebe and Vermillion Flycatcher. Along the west bank of the lake are several observation platforms. It is also possible to walk all round the lake. The riparian habitat has Blue Grosbeak.Grosbeak and Yellow Warbler in summer.  The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society runs the Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing on the first Sunday of every month.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 11:34
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFrom the parking areas, walk south towards the lake. The grassy area has Western Bluebird.   The scrub hosts flycatchers such as Cassin's Kingbird, Say's Phoebe and Vermillion Flycatcher. Along the west bank of the lake are several observation platforms. It is also possible to walk all round the lake. The riparian habitat has Blue Grosbeak.  The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society runs the Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing on the first Sunday of every month.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 11:21
The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society runs the Sepulveda Basin Bird Outing on the first Sunday of every month.

Turn north from Burbank Blvd (or south from Victory Blvd.) onto Woodley Ave., which is ½ mile west of the San Diego Freeway (I-405). Travel about ½ mile to the sign for the Wildlife Reserve (and Japanese Gardens). Turn east onto Wildlife Way, a park road. Bear right at the immediate fork in the road and go east ½ mile to the Wildlife Reserve parking on your left.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 11:25
Turn north from Burbank Blvd (or south from Victory Blvd.) onto Woodley Ave., which is ½ mile west of the San Diego Freeway (I-405). Travel about ½ mile to the sign for the Wildlife Reserve (and Japanese Gardens). Turn east onto Wildlife Way, a park road. Bear right at the immediate fork in the road and go east ½ mile to the Wildlife Reserve parking on your left.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Not available yet

Desert Cottontail and Eastern Fox Squirrel (introduced) are common, and coyotes visit. A wide range of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies can be found.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 12:19
Desert Cottontail and Eastern Fox Squirrel (introduced) are common.common, and coyotes visit. A wide range of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies can be found.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 11:57
Desert Cottontail and Eastern Fox Squirrel (introduced) are common.

Restrooms are provided near the parking area.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 12:56
Restrooms are provided near the parking area.

This being basically an oasis in the urban jungle of Los Angeles, precautions are needed. It would not be wise to visit alone after dark. By day there are usually joggers and visitors about, but caution is needed especially when birding alone. Visiting in a group or joining the monthly guided tour will be a safer option.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 12:20
Being This being basically an oasis in the urban jungle of Los Angeles, precautions are needed. It would not be wise to visit alone after dark. By day there are usually joggers and visitors about, but caution is needed especially when birding alone. Visiting in a group or joining the monthly guided tour will be a safer option.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 12:02
Being basically an oasis on in the urban jungle of Los Angeles, precautions are needed. It would not be wise to visit alone at night.after dark. By day there are usually joggers and visitors about, but caution is needed especially when birding alone. Visiting in a group or joining the monthly guided tour will be a safer option.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2026-04-15 12:02
Being basically an oasis on the urban jungle of Los Angeles, precautions are needed. It would not be wise to visit alone at night. By day there are usually joggers and visitors about, but caution is needed especially when birding alone. Visiting in a group or joining the monthly guided tour will be a safer option.
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Sepulveda Basin WR - Orniverse