Coastal birding habitat

Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and American Wigeon 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

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

4/16/2026Bat Butte 33.42507, -115.827336 observed

White-throated Swift

Aeronautes saxatalis

4/16/2026Bat Butte 33.42507, -115.827339 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Dark-lored)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/14/2026Chiriaco Summit1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/14/2026Salton Sea SRA--Headquarters and Campground1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

4/13/2026Vander Veer Rd, Mecca US-CA 33.52003, -115.939211 observed

Ridgway's Rail

Rallus obsoletus

4/13/2026Dos Palmas Preserve6 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/13/2026Dos Palmas Preserve1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

4/13/2026Dos Palmas Preserve2 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/13/2026Dos Palmas Preserve1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/13/2026Dos Palmas Preserve10 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

4/13/2026Salton Sea SRA--Salt Creek Beach1 observed

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

4/12/2026Salton Sea SRA--Salt Creek Beach1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

4/4/2026Salton Sea SRA--Headquarters and Campground1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Vaux's Swift

84/13/2026

White-throated Swift

64/13/2026

Virginia Rail

14/13/2026

Sora

34/13/2026

Black-necked Stilt

214/13/2026

American Avocet

74/13/2026

Black-bellied Plover

44/13/2026

Killdeer

34/13/2026

Semipalmated Plover

124/13/2026

Snowy Plover

184/13/2026

Willet

64/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/13/2026

Sanderling

94/13/2026

Dunlin

124/13/2026

Least Sandpiper

2004/13/2026

Western Sandpiper

15004/13/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

194/13/2026

Franklin's Gull

64/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

44/13/2026

California Gull

144/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach?
Notable species at Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Redhead. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach?
Birding at Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach?
Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.