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

Loading map...

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

Common Black Hawk

Buteogallus anthracinus

5/26/2026Palo Verde Ecological Reserve (CA Atlas - Blythe Ne NE)1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

5/22/2026Palo Verde Ecological Reserve1 observed

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

5/18/2026Palo Verde Ecological Reserve (CA Atlas - La Paz Mountain CW)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

45/27/2026

White-winged Dove

25/27/2026

Mourning Dove

35/27/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/27/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

15/27/2026

American Kestrel

25/27/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/27/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/27/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

15/27/2026

Western Kingbird

15/27/2026

Common Raven

15/27/2026

Verdin

15/27/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/27/2026

Cliff Swallow

15/27/2026

European Starling

5/27/2026

Crissal Thrasher

15/27/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/27/2026

House Finch

15/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

5/27/2026

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

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.