Birds of the Preserve
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Birdwatching at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
Big Morongo Canyon is a well-known birding site, and a popular eBird “hotspot”. Several rare or unusual species are known to nest here, and many other species are abundant during the spring and fall migration seasons.
There is a bird observation area at the preserve’s Nature Center, on the Marsh Trail boardwalk. The area has a picnic table and a covered seating area for visitors, a water feature, hummingbird feeders, and seed feeders. A portable toilet is available, and the location is accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, and family strollers.
Birds can be seen along all the trails, on East Drive, and at Covington Park, which is connected to the preserve on the south side and can be accessed by a trail.
Local birders usually report their observations on eBird. We have an active group that conducts a bird walk every Wednesday morning, led by experts who carefully review their observations. See the most recent observations on eBird here.
View our list of birds
Bird Walks
If you would like to do a bird walk here at the preserve, a checklist is available online and in printed version at the kiosk. For over 20 years, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve has conducted bird walks on Wednesday mornings and to observe the species present in the Preserve. 2nd Saturday morning bird walks are very popular for families. Beginning birders are welcome. Bird walks are free, however, if you feel generous, there is a donation box for bird seed at the Education Center.
How many can you identify?
Here are all the birds reported in the preserve on iNaturalist. See how many birds you can identify! (Click on the photo to reveal the answer and learn more about the bird.)
