Desert birding habitat

Salton Sea - Poe Road

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Salton Sea - Poe Road is a productive birding destination in California, with 203 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

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

7/3/2026Alamo River Wetlands Project--Shank Rd.1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

7/2/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruddy Duck

807/3/2026

Mourning Dove

17/3/2026

American Coot

107/3/2026

Black-necked Stilt

87/3/2026

Killdeer

17/3/2026

Laughing Gull

127/3/2026

Black Skimmer

1207/3/2026

Gull-billed Tern

57/3/2026

Caspian Tern

307/3/2026

Western Grebe

87/3/2026

Clark's Grebe

17/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

7/3/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

7/3/2026

White-faced Ibis

17/3/2026

Snowy Egret

27/3/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

7/3/2026

Great Egret

167/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

67/3/2026

American White Pelican

2007/3/2026

Brown Pelican

557/3/2026

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 - Poe Road for birding?
The best months to visit Salton Sea - Poe Road for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Salton Sea - Poe Road?
Notable species at Salton Sea - Poe Road 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 - Poe Road?
Birding at Salton Sea - Poe Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Salton Sea - Poe Road?
Salton Sea - Poe Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.