Palo Verde Ecological Reserve

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Palo Verde Ecological Reserve is a productive birding destination in California, with 274 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Ring-necked Duck, Common Goldeneye, and Gambel's Quail among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Ring-necked Duck Common Goldeneye Gambel's Quail Inca Dove Mourning Dove

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Setophaga coronata

4/16/202622nd Ave.--oasis west of Stephenson Blvd.1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

4/15/2026Quechan Marina1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

4/14/2026Palo Verde Ecological Reserve2 observed

Lazuli x Indigo Bunting (hybrid)

Passerina amoena x cyanea

4/14/2026Palo Verde Ecological Reserve (CA Atlas - La Paz Mountain CW)1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

4/14/2026Palo Verde Ecological Reserve1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

4/14/2026Palo Verde Ecological Reserve1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

4/9/2026Palo Verde Ecological Reserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

354/14/2026

Inca Dove

54/14/2026

Common Ground Dove

34/14/2026

White-winged Dove

64/14/2026

Mourning Dove

1704/14/2026

Greater Roadrunner

24/14/2026

American Coot

334/14/2026

White-faced Ibis

1224/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/14/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

54/14/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

14/14/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

54/14/2026

Western Kingbird

144/14/2026

Cassin's Vireo

34/14/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

54/14/2026

Common Raven

34/14/2026

Verdin

74/14/2026

Tree Swallow

34/14/2026

Violet-green Swallow

24/14/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

1004/14/2026

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

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Understanding Bird Migration

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Palo Verde Ecological Reserve for birding?▼

The best months to visit Palo Verde Ecological Reserve for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Palo Verde Ecological Reserve?▼

Notable species at Palo Verde Ecological Reserve include Ring-necked Duck, Common Goldeneye, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Mourning Dove. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.

How difficult is birding at Palo Verde Ecological Reserve?▼

Birding at Palo Verde Ecological Reserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Palo Verde Ecological Reserve?▼

Palo Verde Ecological Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.