Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland is a productive birding destination in California, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Great Egret, and Great Blue Heron among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Mourning Dove Great Egret Great Blue Heron Turkey Vulture White-tailed Kite

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-crowned Sparrow (Dark-lored)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/15/2026Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR--Rock Hill Trail1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

4/15/2026Salton Sea NWR--Unit 1 [no access north of observation platform] (CA Atlas - Westmorland West NW)5 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/14/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

4/14/2026Salton Sea--Lack Rd. at Grubel Rd. seawall10 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

4/14/2026Salton Sea--Obsidian Butte2 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (oriantha)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/14/2026Riverview Cemetery1 observed

Western Wood-Pewee

Contopus sordidulus

4/14/2026Riverview Cemetery1 observed

White-throated Swift

Aeronautes saxatalis

4/13/2026Niland--International Rd.1 observed

Vaux's Swift

Chaetura vauxi

4/13/2026Niland--International Rd.18 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

4/13/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/13/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland2 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/13/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/13/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canvasback

34/17/2026

American Coot

4/17/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/17/2026

Green Heron

14/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/17/2026

Osprey

14/17/2026

Northern Harrier

14/17/2026

Common Raven

14/17/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

24/17/2026

Cinnamon Teal

64/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

14/13/2026

Gadwall

44/13/2026

Lesser Scaup

14/13/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

14/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

204/13/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/13/2026

Mourning Dove

34/13/2026

Black-necked Stilt

14/13/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland for birding?▼

The best months to visit Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland?▼

Notable species at Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland include Mourning Dove, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, White-tailed Kite. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland?▼

Birding at Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland?▼

Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.