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

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

5/30/2026Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR--Rock Hill Trail1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/30/2026Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR--Rock Hill Trail1 observed

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

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

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/26/2026Riverview Cemetery1 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

White-faced Ibis

405/31/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

355/31/2026

Great Egret

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

505/31/2026

Burrowing Owl

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Western Kingbird

45/31/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

65/31/2026

Mallard

65/30/2026

Ruddy Duck

405/30/2026

Gambel's Quail

105/30/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/30/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

205/30/2026

Common Ground Dove

15/30/2026

White-winged Dove

55/30/2026

Greater Roadrunner

45/30/2026

Ridgway's Rail

15/30/2026

Common Gallinule

15/30/2026

American Coot

25/30/2026

Black-necked Stilt

105/30/2026

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.