Desert birding habitat

Sierra Valley - Marble Hot Springs Road

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Sierra Valley - Marble Hot Springs Road is a productive birding destination in California, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Tundra Swan 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

Merlin

Falco columbarius

6/1/2026Lake Davis Dam1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

5/31/2026Antelope Valley Rd, Loyalton US-CA 39.62369, -120.239181 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/31/2026antelope valley Rd2 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

5/25/20262000–2062 Harriet Ln, Beckwourth US-CA 39.73690, -120.305752 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/31/2026

Northern Shoveler

15/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Northern Pintail

15/31/2026

Ruddy Duck

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Virginia Rail

15/31/2026

American Coot

35/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

25/31/2026

Black-necked Stilt

35/31/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

15/31/2026

Willet

105/31/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

45/31/2026

White-faced Ibis

25/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Swainson's Hawk

15/31/2026

Western Kingbird

15/31/2026

Common Raven

15/31/2026

Horned Lark

25/31/2026

Barn Swallow

25/31/2026

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 Sierra Valley - Marble Hot Springs Road for birding?
The best months to visit Sierra Valley - Marble Hot Springs Road for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Sierra Valley - Marble Hot Springs Road?
Notable species at Sierra Valley - Marble Hot Springs Road include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sierra Valley - Marble Hot Springs Road?
Birding at Sierra Valley - Marble Hot Springs Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sierra Valley - Marble Hot Springs Road?
Sierra Valley - Marble Hot Springs Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.