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

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

Eurasian Collared-Dove

47/3/2026

Common Ground Dove

17/3/2026

Mourning Dove

157/3/2026

Ridgway's Rail

27/3/2026

Virginia Rail

27/3/2026

Black-necked Stilt

2507/3/2026

American Avocet

77/3/2026

Killdeer

37/3/2026

Snowy Plover

67/3/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

17/3/2026

Willet

57/3/2026

Least Sandpiper

157/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/3/2026

Yellow-footed Gull

17/3/2026

California Gull

17/3/2026

Gull-billed Tern

17/3/2026

Black Tern

17/3/2026

White-faced Ibis

137/3/2026

Snowy Egret

17/3/2026

Green Heron

17/3/2026

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 - 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.