Desert birding habitat

Salton Sea - Young Road (west end)

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Salton Sea - Young Road (west end) is a productive birding destination in California, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Common Merganser, and Ruddy Duck 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

7/17/2026Alamo River Wetlands Project--Shank Rd.1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/15/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

207/19/2026

White-winged Dove

17/19/2026

Mourning Dove

17/19/2026

Common Gallinule

17/19/2026

American Coot

17/19/2026

Black-necked Stilt

2007/19/2026

American Avocet

1507/19/2026

Killdeer

37/19/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

257/19/2026

Red-necked Phalarope

37/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/19/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

1007/19/2026

Western Sandpiper

1007/19/2026

Laughing Gull

47/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

37/19/2026

California Gull

307/19/2026

Black Skimmer

37/19/2026

Caspian Tern

57/19/2026

Forster's Tern

27/19/2026

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 - Young Road (west end) for birding?
The best months to visit Salton Sea - Young Road (west end) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Salton Sea - Young Road (west end)?
Notable species at Salton Sea - Young Road (west end) include Northern Shoveler, Common Merganser, Ruddy Duck, American Coot, Snow Goose. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salton Sea - Young Road (west end)?
Birding at Salton Sea - Young Road (west end) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Salton Sea - Young Road (west end)?
Salton Sea - Young Road (west end) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.