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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/30/2026Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR--Rock Hill Trail1 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

5/30/2026Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR--Rock Hill Trail1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/30/2026Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR--Rock Hill Trail1 observed

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

5/26/2026Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project--Niland2 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/26/2026Riverview Cemetery1 observed

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

5/21/2026Alamo River Wetlands Project--Shank Rd.1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

5/19/2026Salton Sea NWR--Unit 1 [no access north of observation platform] (CA Atlas - Westmorland West NW)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

15/31/2026

Ruddy Duck

225/31/2026

Gambel's Quail

15/31/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/31/2026

Common Ground Dove

15/31/2026

White-winged Dove

45/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Greater Roadrunner

25/31/2026

Common Gallinule

15/31/2026

American Coot

85/31/2026

Black-necked Stilt

75/31/2026

Gull-billed Tern

25/31/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

45/31/2026

Green Heron

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Black Phoebe

25/31/2026

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.