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

White-crowned Sparrow (Dark-lored)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/15/2026Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR--Rock Hill Trail1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

4/15/2026Salton Sea NWR--Unit 1 [no access north of observation platform] (CA Atlas - Westmorland West NW)5 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/14/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

4/14/2026Salton Sea--Lack Rd. at Grubel Rd. seawall10 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

4/14/2026Salton Sea--Obsidian Butte2 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (oriantha)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/14/2026Riverview Cemetery1 observed

Western Wood-Pewee

Contopus sordidulus

4/14/2026Riverview Cemetery1 observed

White-throated Swift

Aeronautes saxatalis

4/13/2026Niland--International Rd.1 observed

Vaux's Swift

Chaetura vauxi

4/13/2026Niland--International Rd.18 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

4/13/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/13/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland2 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/13/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/13/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snowy Plover

14/16/2026

Snow Goose

54/15/2026

Cinnamon Teal

114/15/2026

Mallard

124/15/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/15/2026

White-winged Dove

24/15/2026

Mourning Dove

44/15/2026

American Coot

134/15/2026

Black-necked Stilt

34/15/2026

American Avocet

384/15/2026

Killdeer

44/15/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

5004/15/2026

Gull-billed Tern

14/15/2026

Forster's Tern

54/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

94/15/2026

American Bittern

14/15/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

14/15/2026

Great Egret

14/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/15/2026

American White Pelican

14/15/2026

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.