Desert birding habitat

Dairy Mart Ponds

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Dairy Mart Ponds is a productive birding destination in California, with 268 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Anna's Hummingbird 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

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

5/31/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/31/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/31/2026Lake Murray--southeast side1 observed

Snowy Plover (Northern)

Anarhynchus nivosus

5/31/2026Bayshore Bikeway--13th Street (Ponds 22/20)4 observed

Hooded Oriole (nelsoni Group)

Icterus cucullatus

5/31/2026Bayshore Bikeway--13th Street (Ponds 22/20)1 observed

Downy x Nuttall's Woodpecker (hybrid)

Dryobates pubescens x nuttallii

5/31/2026Mission Valley Preserve/Sefton Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (no birding 8a-5p)1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/31/2026Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (no birding 8a-5p)1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

5/30/2026Mission Bay Park, San Diego US-CA (32.7586,-117.2421)1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

5/30/2026Lower Otay Reservoir--east arm pullouts (including North Pt. gate)2 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/29/2026Balboa Park--Grape Street Dog Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

15/30/2026

Mallard

45/30/2026

Ruddy Duck

25/30/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/30/2026

American Coot

55/30/2026

Western Gull

35/30/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

55/30/2026

Western Grebe

15/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/30/2026

Black Phoebe

15/30/2026

Cliff Swallow

15/30/2026

Marsh Wren

15/30/2026

Song Sparrow

15/30/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

25/30/2026

Rock Pigeon

55/30/2026

Common Gallinule

15/30/2026

Clark's Grebe

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/30/2026

Northern Harrier

15/30/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/30/2026

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 Dairy Mart Ponds for birding?
The best months to visit Dairy Mart Ponds for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Dairy Mart Ponds?
Notable species at Dairy Mart Ponds include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot, American Wigeon. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Dairy Mart Ponds?
Birding at Dairy Mart Ponds is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Dairy Mart Ponds?
Dairy Mart Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.