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

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

4/15/2026Inyo National Forest, Bishop US-CA 37.51328, -118.644534 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

4/12/2026Paradise subdivision N1 observed

Sagebrush Sparrow

Artemisiospiza nevadensis

4/11/20262599-2559 North Round Valley Road, Bishop, California, US (37.445, -118.602)2 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/9/2026Rovana1 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

4/9/2026Westgard Pass1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Western)

Polioptila caerulea

4/5/2026Birchim Canyon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

24/13/2026

Ring-necked Duck

44/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

14/13/2026

Mourning Dove

44/13/2026

Sora

14/13/2026

American Coot

44/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/13/2026

Common Raven

24/13/2026

Violet-green Swallow

14/13/2026

Barn Swallow

14/13/2026

Marsh Wren

74/13/2026

Song Sparrow

14/13/2026

Spotted Towhee

14/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

104/13/2026

Canada Goose

24/8/2026

Cinnamon Teal

34/8/2026

Killdeer

14/8/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

24/8/2026

Western Meadowlark

14/8/2026

Gadwall

64/8/2026

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.