Desert birding habitat

Salton Sea - Obsidian Butte

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Salton Sea - Obsidian Butte is a productive birding destination in California, with 239 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

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

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

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

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/26/2026Riverview Cemetery1 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

5/25/2026New River--Carter Rd. and Fites Rd.3 observed

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

5/21/2026Alamo River Wetlands Project--Shank Rd.1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

5/19/2026Salton Sea NWR--Unit 1 [no access north of observation platform] (CA Atlas - Westmorland West NW)1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/19/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/18/2026Salton Sea--Lack Rd. at Grubel Rd. seawall3 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/18/2026Salton Sea--Lack Rd. at Grubel Rd. seawall3 observed

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

5/18/2026Salton Sea--Lack Rd. at Grubel Rd. seawall1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

5/18/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)2 observed

Heermann's Gull

Larus heermanni

5/18/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruddy Duck

215/29/2026

Gambel's Quail

25/29/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

35/29/2026

White-winged Dove

35/29/2026

Mourning Dove

75/29/2026

Greater Roadrunner

25/29/2026

American Coot

45/29/2026

Black-necked Stilt

45/29/2026

American Avocet

25/29/2026

Killdeer

15/29/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/29/2026

Eared Grebe

25/29/2026

White-faced Ibis

75/29/2026

Least Bittern

15/29/2026

Snowy Egret

15/29/2026

Green Heron

15/29/2026

Great Egret

15/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/29/2026

Burrowing Owl

15/29/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/29/2026

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 - Obsidian Butte for birding?
The best months to visit Salton Sea - Obsidian Butte for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Salton Sea - Obsidian Butte?
Notable species at Salton Sea - Obsidian Butte include Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salton Sea - Obsidian Butte?
Birding at Salton Sea - Obsidian Butte is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Salton Sea - Obsidian Butte?
Salton Sea - Obsidian Butte offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.