Desert birding habitat

Butterbredt Spring

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Butterbredt Spring is a productive birding destination in California, with 242 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

5/26/2026Butterbredt Spring1 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

5/26/2026Butterbredt Spring1 observed

Virginia's Warbler

Leiothlypis virginiae

5/25/2026Butterbredt Spring1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

5/25/2026Butterbredt Spring1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/23/2026Butterbredt Spring1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/23/2026Butterbredt Spring1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

65/26/2026

Mourning Dove

105/26/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

65/26/2026

Great Horned Owl

35/26/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

25/26/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

105/26/2026

Willow Flycatcher

155/26/2026

Western Flycatcher

205/26/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

35/26/2026

Common Raven

25/26/2026

Bewick's Wren

25/26/2026

Swainson's Thrush

85/26/2026

Cedar Waxwing

25/26/2026

House Finch

205/26/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

15/26/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

15/26/2026

California Towhee

15/26/2026

Bullock's Oriole

15/26/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

25/26/2026

MacGillivray's Warbler

15/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Butterbredt Spring for birding?
The best months to visit Butterbredt Spring for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Butterbredt Spring?
Notable species at Butterbredt Spring include Cactus Wren, Greater Roadrunner, Gambel's Quail, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Butterbredt Spring?
Birding at Butterbredt Spring is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Butterbredt Spring?
Butterbredt Spring offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.