Over 250 species of birds have been observed at the park.  The habitat in the 1975 acre park is primarily coastal sage scrub, with some chaparral, mixed woodland, riparian, and a 250 acre reservoir.  Puddingstone reservoir supports a resident population of water birds as well as attracting migratory and wintering water fowl.  Common resident birds in the park are Mallard, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, American Coot, Black Phoebe, Western Scrub-Jay, American Crow, Bushtit, Northern Mockingbird, California Towhee, Song Sparrow, and House Finch.

To help birders enjoy birding at Bonelli Park, additional information is provided through the following links.

 

-Monthly Nature Walk Schedule

-Bonelli Park Bird List

-Photo Gallery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

White-tailed Kite

Red-winged Blackbird

Photo Credits: Paul Click, Rod Higbie, Micael D. Ho

Natural Areas

The 1283 acres of open space in the park was originally covered with coastal sage scrub and chaparral.  Over the years both habitats have been degraded by the planting of non-native plants and by fires.  Even though the original habitat is degraded, plants representing these habitats are still found in reasonable numbers.  These plants include California Sagebrush, California Buckwheat, Coyote Brush, Prickly Pear Cactus, White Sage, Mulefat, Laurel Sumac, Bush Monkey Flower, and others.  The natural areas are home to Coyote, Cottontail Rabbit, Striped Skunk, Raccoon, California Ground Squirrel, and Gray Tree Squirrel.