Wetland birding habitat

Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in California, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Blue-winged Teal, and Cinnamon 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

White-crowned Sparrow (Dark-lored)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/15/2026Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR--Rock Hill Trail1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

4/15/2026Salton Sea NWR--Unit 1 [no access north of observation platform] (CA Atlas - Westmorland West NW)5 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/14/2026Salton Sea--W Bowles Rd. (west end)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

4/14/2026Salton Sea--Lack Rd. at Grubel Rd. seawall10 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

4/14/2026Salton Sea--Obsidian Butte2 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (oriantha)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

4/14/2026Riverview Cemetery1 observed

Western Wood-Pewee

Contopus sordidulus

4/14/2026Riverview Cemetery1 observed

White-throated Swift

Aeronautes saxatalis

4/13/2026Niland--International Rd.1 observed

Vaux's Swift

Chaetura vauxi

4/13/2026Niland--International Rd.18 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

4/13/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/13/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland2 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/13/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/13/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

124/17/2026

Gadwall

44/17/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/17/2026

Mourning Dove

14/17/2026

American Coot

104/17/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/17/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

14/17/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

14/17/2026

Caspian Tern

14/17/2026

Forster's Tern

24/17/2026

White-faced Ibis

74/17/2026

Snowy Egret

114/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/17/2026

American White Pelican

34/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/17/2026

Northern Harrier

14/17/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/17/2026

American Kestrel

24/17/2026

Black Phoebe

14/17/2026

Western Kingbird

44/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge?
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.