Desert birding habitat

Imperial Valley - general area

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Imperial Valley - general area is a productive birding destination in California, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts White-faced Ibis, Western Cattle-Egret, and Red-winged Blackbird 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

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

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

4/14/2026Evergreen Cemetery (IMP Co.)1 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

Bullock's Oriole

24/17/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

24/17/2026

Nashville Warbler

64/17/2026

Hermit Warbler

14/17/2026

Wilson's Warbler

34/17/2026

Canada Goose

14/17/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

74/17/2026

White-winged Dove

44/17/2026

Mourning Dove

14/17/2026

Killdeer

14/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/17/2026

Hammond's Flycatcher

14/17/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

44/17/2026

Western Kingbird

24/17/2026

Verdin

4/17/2026

Bank Swallow

14/17/2026

European Starling

74/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

24/17/2026

House Sparrow

4/17/2026

House Finch

4/17/2026

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 Valley - general area for birding?
The best months to visit Imperial Valley - general area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Imperial Valley - general area?
Notable species at Imperial Valley - general area include White-faced Ibis, Western Cattle-Egret, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Imperial Valley - general area?
Birding at Imperial Valley - general area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Imperial Valley - general area?
Imperial Valley - general area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.