Salton Sea
California · Southwest
Moderate
November-April
Free
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
Solitary Sandpiper
Tringa solitaria
Red-necked Phalarope
Phalaropus lobatus
Black Tern
Chlidonias niger
White-throated Swift
Aeronautes saxatalis
Vaux's Swift
Chaetura vauxi
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescens
Baird's Sandpiper
Calidris bairdii
Lincoln's Sparrow
Melospiza lincolnii
Bank Swallow
Riparia riparia
Yellow-breasted Chat
Icteria virens
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator
Least Tern
Sternula antillarum
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Wild Turkey
California Scrub-Jay
California Quail
Turkey Vulture
Red-tailed Hawk
American Crow
Elegant Tern
Black-crowned Night Heron
Egyptian Goose
Mallard
Canada Goose
American Coot
Snowy Egret
Allen's Hummingbird
Orange-crowned Warbler
Ridgway's Rail
Hooded Oriole
Lesser Goldfinch
House Finch
Bewick's Wren
Birding Tips
- 1
Check the south end near Sonny Bono NWR for the best variety
- 2
Summer heat can be extreme; bring plenty of water
- 3
Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity
- 4
Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches
- 5
Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
More in California
California Birding Guide
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