Desert birding habitat

Inyokern - South of Hwy 178

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Inyokern - South of Hwy 178 is a productive birding destination in California, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, and Anna's Hummingbird 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

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

4/16/20261551 W Howell Ave, Ridgecrest US-CA 35.63498, -117.702541 observed

California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

4/15/2026Nine Mile Canyon Road2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

14/16/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/16/2026

Mourning Dove

24/16/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

14/16/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

24/16/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

44/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/16/2026

Hammond's Flycatcher

14/16/2026

Dusky Flycatcher

14/16/2026

Western Flycatcher

14/16/2026

Common Raven

24/16/2026

Verdin

14/16/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

34/16/2026

Hermit Thrush

14/16/2026

House Sparrow

104/16/2026

House Finch

14/16/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

14/16/2026

Brewer's Sparrow

14/16/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

124/16/2026

Lincoln's Sparrow

24/16/2026

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 Inyokern - South of Hwy 178 for birding?
The best months to visit Inyokern - South of Hwy 178 for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Inyokern - South of Hwy 178?
Notable species at Inyokern - South of Hwy 178 include Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Cooper's Hawk. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Inyokern - South of Hwy 178?
Birding at Inyokern - South of Hwy 178 is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Inyokern - South of Hwy 178?
Inyokern - South of Hwy 178 offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.