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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/15/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Horned Owl

27/22/2026

American Barn Owl

17/22/2026

Common Poorwill

17/21/2026

Rock Pigeon

47/21/2026

Peregrine Falcon

17/21/2026

Western Gull

37/21/2026

Canada Goose

17/21/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

17/21/2026

California Towhee

17/21/2026

Mallard

117/21/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

27/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/21/2026

Harlequin Duck

17/21/2026

Surf Scoter

37/21/2026

Black Turnstone

27/21/2026

Brown Pelican

167/21/2026

Wandering Tattler

17/21/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

67/21/2026

Yellow-billed Magpie

17/21/2026

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.