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

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

7/4/2026Alamo River Wetlands Project--Shank Rd.1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

7/2/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

27/9/2026

Common Ground Dove

17/9/2026

White-winged Dove

17/9/2026

Verdin

27/9/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/9/2026

Rock Pigeon

27/8/2026

Gila Woodpecker

17/8/2026

Common Raven

17/8/2026

House Sparrow

17/8/2026

House Finch

67/8/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

97/8/2026

European Starling

17/7/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/4/2026

Western Meadowlark

27/4/2026

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

17/4/2026

Mallard

207/4/2026

Mourning Dove

107/4/2026

Common Gallinule

37/4/2026

Black-necked Stilt

47/4/2026

Killdeer

57/4/2026

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.