Pelicans and shorebirds along the Salton Sea shoreline

Salton Sea

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandDesertCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

November-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Sunrise to sunset daily

About This Location

The Salton Sea is California's largest lake and an accidental creation that has become a vital oasis for birds in the Sonoran Desert. Despite environmental challenges, it remains a critical stopover on the Pacific Flyway, hosting enormous numbers of shorebirds, pelicans, and occasional rarities.

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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/30/2026Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR--Rock Hill Trail1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/30/2026Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR--Rock Hill Trail1 observed

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

5/26/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

36/2/2026

Green Heron

16/2/2026

American Crow

26/2/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

26/2/2026

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Rock Pigeon

356/2/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

6/2/2026

Tree Swallow

26/2/2026

White-throated Swift

16/2/2026

Steller's Jay

16/2/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

46/2/2026

Western Bluebird

26/2/2026

Bewick's Wren

16/2/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

16/2/2026

California Scrub-Jay

16/2/2026

Oak Titmouse

16/2/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

26/2/2026

Spotted Towhee

26/2/2026

House Finch

36/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check the south end near Sonny Bono NWR for the best variety

  2. 2

    Summer heat can be extreme; bring plenty of water

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Salton Sea for birding?
The best months to visit Salton Sea for birding are November-April. The best seasons are Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Salton Sea?
Notable species at Salton Sea include Yellow-footed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Burrowing Owl, Abert's Towhee, Crissal Thrasher, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Great Egret, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier. The area supports wetland, desert, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salton Sea?
Birding at Salton Sea is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Salton Sea?
There is no entrance fee at Salton Sea. Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily.
What amenities are available at Salton Sea?
Salton Sea offers the following amenities: Parking.