Desert birding habitat

Imperial Dam

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Imperial Dam is a productive birding destination in California, with 206 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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/18/2026Mission Wash2 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

7/18/2026Mission Wash2 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/18/2026Mission Wash1 observed

Brown-crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus tyrannulus

7/13/2026Betty's Kitchen/Laguna Dam1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/9/2026Haus von Detwiler1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

257/18/2026

Rock Pigeon

37/18/2026

White-winged Dove

457/18/2026

Mourning Dove

47/18/2026

Common Gallinule

17/18/2026

Green Heron

27/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/18/2026

Great Horned Owl

37/18/2026

Gila Woodpecker

97/18/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

67/18/2026

Black Phoebe

17/18/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

27/18/2026

Western Kingbird

67/18/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

37/18/2026

Verdin

117/18/2026

Cliff Swallow

207/18/2026

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

47/18/2026

House Finch

127/18/2026

Song Sparrow

37/18/2026

Abert's Towhee

47/18/2026

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