Desert birding habitat

Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds is a productive birding destination in California, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mallard, and Common Merganser 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 (Gambel's)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/29/2026Paradise (town)2 observed

Greater Roadrunner

Geococcyx californianus

5/27/2026Chidago Canyon Rd.1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/27/2026Chidago Canyon Road, Bishop, California, US (37.64, -118.412)2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/27/2026Tollhouse Spring1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Western)

Polioptila caerulea

5/24/2026Tollhouse Spring2 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

5/23/2026White Mountain Rd--37.31122, -118.180712 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/23/2026Tollhouse Spring1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Lesser Nighthawk

65/27/2026

Common Nighthawk

25/27/2026

Green Heron

15/27/2026

Marsh Wren

35/27/2026

European Starling

305/27/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

55/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

125/27/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/27/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/27/2026

Gadwall

35/27/2026

Mallard

45/27/2026

California Quail

15/27/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

35/27/2026

Mourning Dove

85/27/2026

American Coot

15/27/2026

Killdeer

25/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/27/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/27/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

25/27/2026

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 Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds for birding?
The best months to visit Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds?
Notable species at Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds include American Wigeon, Mallard, Common Merganser, Ruddy Duck, American Coot. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds?
Birding at Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds?
Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.