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

Loading map...

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

7/11/2026Alamo 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

White-winged Dove

17/3/2026

Mourning Dove

77/3/2026

American Kestrel

17/3/2026

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

17/3/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/3/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

47/3/2026

Gambel's Quail

137/3/2026

Rock Pigeon

27/3/2026

Black Phoebe

17/3/2026

Western Kingbird

47/3/2026

Verdin

27/3/2026

Cliff Swallow

407/3/2026

Abert's Towhee

27/3/2026

Cinnamon Teal

106/29/2026

Ruddy Duck

16/29/2026

Common Ground Dove

16/29/2026

American Coot

26/29/2026

Black-necked Stilt

66/29/2026

American Avocet

26/29/2026

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.