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

Loading map...

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

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

5/27/2026Picacho SRA2 observed

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

5/27/2026Picacho SRA3 observed

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

5/27/2026Picacho SRA1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/27/2026Picacho SRA4 observed

Brown-crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus tyrannulus

5/27/2026Picacho SRA3 observed

White-throated Swift

Aeronautes saxatalis

5/27/2026Picacho SRA7 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/25/2026Living Waters parcel (restricted access)1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

5/25/2026Mission Wash3 observed

Phainopepla

Phainopepla nitens

5/23/2026Mission Wash—North Side—for Atlas1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

15/26/2026

Clark's Grebe

75/26/2026

House Finch

45/26/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

25/26/2026

American Coot

25/26/2026

Black-necked Stilt

15/26/2026

Killdeer

25/26/2026

Green Heron

15/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/26/2026

Verdin

15/26/2026

Marsh Wren

15/26/2026

Gambel's Quail

115/26/2026

Common Ground Dove

15/26/2026

White-winged Dove

175/26/2026

Greater Roadrunner

15/26/2026

Virginia Rail

15/26/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/26/2026

Gila Woodpecker

15/26/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

45/26/2026

Willow Flycatcher

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 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.