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

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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

6/3/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

6/3/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)21 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

Great Horned Owl

16/3/2026

Western Bluebird

16/3/2026

Violet-green Swallow

16/3/2026

Western Gull

16/3/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

16/3/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

16/3/2026

Barred Owl

16/3/2026

American Barn Owl

16/3/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

16/2/2026

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

16/2/2026

Northern Saw-whet Owl

16/2/2026

Western Screech-Owl

16/2/2026

Wrentit

16/2/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

26/2/2026

Oak Titmouse

16/2/2026

Killdeer

26/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

46/2/2026

Tree Swallow

66/2/2026

Common Nighthawk

56/2/2026

Green-tailed Towhee

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.