Desert birding habitat

Salton Sea - north end

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Salton Sea - north end is a productive birding destination in California, with 288 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

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

Sagebrush Sparrow

Artemisiospiza nevadensis

4/17/2026Salton Sea SRA--Headquarters and Campground1 observed

Northern Flicker

Colaptes auratus

4/17/2026Salton Sea--North Shore marina1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

4/16/2026Highway 80 south of 54th Ave., Coachella52 observed

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

4/16/2026Bat Butte 33.42507, -115.827336 observed

White-throated Swift

Aeronautes saxatalis

4/16/2026Bat Butte 33.42507, -115.827339 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/14/2026Salton Sea SRA--Headquarters and Campground1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

4/13/2026Vander Veer Rd, Mecca US-CA 33.52003, -115.939211 observed

Ridgway's Rail

Rallus obsoletus

4/13/2026Dos Palmas Preserve6 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/13/2026Dos Palmas Preserve1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/13/2026Dos Palmas Preserve2 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/13/2026Dos Palmas Preserve1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/13/2026Dos Palmas Preserve10 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

4/13/2026Salton Sea SRA--Salt Creek Beach1 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

4/12/2026Salton Sea SRA--Salt Creek Beach1 observed

Bell's Vireo (Least)

Vireo bellii

4/12/2026PGA West (restricted access)1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

4/11/2026Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park1 observed

California x Crissal Thrasher (hybrid)

Toxostoma redivivum x crissale

4/5/2026Anza-Borrego Desert SP--Clark Dry Lake1 observed

Gray Vireo

Vireo vicinior

4/5/2026Anza-Borrego Desert SP--Clark Dry Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-headed Blackbird

104/18/2026

Black-necked Stilt

34/17/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

14/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

154/17/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

254/17/2026

Eared Grebe

104/17/2026

American White Pelican

74/17/2026

Western Kingbird

14/17/2026

Verdin

14/17/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

44/17/2026

Barn Swallow

54/17/2026

Cliff Swallow

34/17/2026

Cactus Wren

14/17/2026

European Starling

14/17/2026

Song Sparrow

14/17/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

14/17/2026

Nashville Warbler

14/17/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

24/17/2026

Gambel's Quail

14/17/2026

House Sparrow

14/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Salton Sea - north end for birding?
The best months to visit Salton Sea - north end for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Salton Sea - north end?
Notable species at Salton Sea - north end include Cactus Wren, Greater Roadrunner, Gambel's Quail, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salton Sea - north end?
Birding at Salton Sea - north end is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Salton Sea - north end?
Salton Sea - north end offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.