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

Loading map...

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

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

7/14/2026Mt Tom Rd3 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

7/11/2026North Lake Road, North Lake Campground, Trail to Grass Lake, Then Trail to Lower Lamarck Lake, And Return.1 observed

Painted Redstart

Myioborus pictus

7/11/2026North Lake Road, North Lake Campground, Trail to Grass Lake, Then Trail to Lower Lamarck Lake, And Return.1 observed

Chukar

Alectoris chukar

7/9/2026Owens River Gorge--lower to central8 observed

Greater Roadrunner

Geococcyx californianus

7/9/2026Chalfant Loop Rd, Chalfant Valley US-CA 37.51011, -118.363032 observed

Lazuli x Indigo Bunting (hybrid)

Passerina amoena x cyanea

7/8/2026North Round Valley Road1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/6/20269479–9783 Lower Rock Creek Rd, Bishop US-CA 37.46612, -118.593201 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ash-throated Flycatcher

17/15/2026

California Quail

77/15/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

47/15/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/15/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/15/2026

Black Phoebe

17/15/2026

American Crow

27/15/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/15/2026

House Sparrow

17/15/2026

House Finch

87/15/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

37/15/2026

Spotted Towhee

27/15/2026

Lazuli Bunting

17/15/2026

Mourning Dove

17/15/2026

Common Raven

27/15/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

27/15/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

67/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/15/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/15/2026

Common Yellowthroat

57/15/2026

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.