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

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

5/26/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland2 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/26/2026Riverview Cemetery1 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

5/25/2026New River--Carter Rd. and Fites Rd.3 observed

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

5/21/2026Alamo River Wetlands Project--Shank Rd.1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

5/19/2026Salton Sea NWR--Unit 1 [no access north of observation platform] (CA Atlas - Westmorland West NW)1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/19/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/18/2026Salton Sea--Lack Rd. at Grubel Rd. seawall3 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/18/2026Salton Sea--Lack Rd. at Grubel Rd. seawall3 observed

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

5/18/2026Salton Sea--Lack Rd. at Grubel Rd. seawall1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

5/18/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)2 observed

Heermann's Gull

Larus heermanni

5/18/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

165/27/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

55/27/2026

Common Ground Dove

65/27/2026

White-winged Dove

1505/27/2026

Mourning Dove

305/27/2026

Greater Roadrunner

35/27/2026

Lesser Nighthawk

15/27/2026

Black-necked Stilt

15/27/2026

Killdeer

55/27/2026

Gull-billed Tern

25/27/2026

White-faced Ibis

105/27/2026

Green Heron

15/27/2026

Great Egret

15/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/27/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/27/2026

Western Flycatcher

15/27/2026

Black Phoebe

25/27/2026

Western Kingbird

15/27/2026

Common Raven

15/27/2026

Verdin

105/27/2026

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.