white and black bird on brown stick during daytime

Salton Sea - south end

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

$7 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Salton Sea - south end is a productive birding destination in California, with 342 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Snow Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal 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.

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Salton Sea - south end for birding?
The best months to visit Salton Sea - south end for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Salton Sea - south end?
Notable species at Salton Sea - south end include Snow Goose, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Ruddy Duck, American Avocet, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Great Egret, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Verdin. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salton Sea - south end?
Birding at Salton Sea - south end is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Salton Sea - south end?
The entrance fee at Salton Sea - south end is $7 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Salton Sea - south end?
Salton Sea - south end offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.