Canyon birding habitat

Birchim Canyon

California · Southwest

Habitat
Canyon
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Birchim Canyon is a productive birding destination in California, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This canyon habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, Northern Flicker, and Black Phoebe 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

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

4/15/2026Inyo National Forest, Bishop US-CA 37.51328, -118.644534 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

4/12/2026Paradise subdivision N1 observed

Sagebrush Sparrow

Artemisiospiza nevadensis

4/11/20262599-2559 North Round Valley Road, Bishop, California, US (37.445, -118.602)2 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/10/2026Moran Spring2 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

4/9/2026Owens Gorge Rd, Mammoth Lakes US-CA 37.58280, -118.690682 observed

Gray Flycatcher

Empidonax wrightii

4/9/2026Moran Spring1 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

4/9/2026Moran Spring1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

4/9/2026McGee Creek Road, Mammoth Lakes, California, US (37.577, -118.788)2 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Western)

Polioptila caerulea

4/5/2026Birchim Canyon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-faced Ibis

304/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Black Phoebe

14/17/2026

Common Raven

14/17/2026

Cliff Swallow

304/17/2026

Rock Wren

14/17/2026

Bewick's Wren

14/17/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

24/17/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

24/17/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/17/2026

Mallard

44/17/2026

Belted Kingfisher

24/17/2026

Dusky Flycatcher

14/17/2026

Bushtit

24/17/2026

Northern House Wren

14/17/2026

Hermit Thrush

14/17/2026

American Robin

24/17/2026

House Finch

34/17/2026

American Goldfinch

14/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Birchim Canyon for birding?
The best months to visit Birchim Canyon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Birchim Canyon?
Notable species at Birchim Canyon include Turkey Vulture, Northern Flicker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Steller's Jay. The area supports canyon habitats.
How difficult is birding at Birchim Canyon?
Birding at Birchim Canyon is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Birchim Canyon?
Birchim Canyon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.