Desert birding habitat

Salton Sea - Red Hill area

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Salton Sea - Red Hill area is a productive birding destination in California, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Snow Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

Cinnamon Teal

24/8/2026

Gadwall

24/8/2026

Mourning Dove

14/8/2026

American Coot

54/8/2026

Black-necked Stilt

64/8/2026

American Avocet

24/8/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

104/8/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/8/2026

Great Horned Owl

24/8/2026

American Kestrel

24/8/2026

Common Raven

24/8/2026

Marsh Wren

14/8/2026

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