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

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

4/16/2026Living Waters parcel1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

4/16/2026Living Waters parcel1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/13/2026Gila River--S Ave 20 E Crossing2 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

4/12/2026Haus von Detwiler1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

4/12/2026Haus von Detwiler1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

4/12/2026Xanyō Xamshré7 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

4/12/2026Haus von Detwiler1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

4/11/2026Haus von Detwiler1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Lesser Scaup

54/16/2026

Gambel's Quail

54/16/2026

Rock Pigeon

24/16/2026

Mourning Dove

14/16/2026

Sora

24/16/2026

Common Gallinule

14/16/2026

American Coot

64/16/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

24/16/2026

Green Heron

24/16/2026

Gila Woodpecker

34/16/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Western Flycatcher

54/16/2026

Black Phoebe

24/16/2026

Western Kingbird

14/16/2026

Verdin

74/16/2026

Cliff Swallow

164/16/2026

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

54/16/2026

Marsh Wren

24/16/2026

House Finch

44/16/2026

Brewer's Sparrow

84/16/2026

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.