Desert birding habitat

Whitewater Preserve

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Whitewater Preserve is a productive birding destination in California, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Costa's Hummingbird, American Kestrel, and Rock Wren 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

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

7/12/2026Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/12/2026Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park2 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/12/2026Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

7/12/2026Whitewater Preserve1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

7/12/2026Whitewater Preserve1 observed

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium gnoma

7/11/2026Momyer-Alger Creek Trail2 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

7/11/2026Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park1 observed

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

7/10/2026Tahquitz Canyon1 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

7/10/2026Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park1 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

7/8/2026Mission Lakes Country Club1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

37/12/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/12/2026

Mourning Dove

47/12/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

47/12/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

27/12/2026

Peregrine Falcon

17/12/2026

Black Phoebe

27/12/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

17/12/2026

California Scrub-Jay

27/12/2026

Common Raven

67/12/2026

Bushtit

27/12/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/12/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

27/12/2026

Song Sparrow

47/12/2026

California Towhee

17/12/2026

Hooded Oriole

67/12/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/12/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/12/2026

Summer Tanager

17/12/2026

Lesser Nighthawk

17/5/2026

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 Whitewater Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Whitewater Preserve for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Whitewater Preserve?
Notable species at Whitewater Preserve include Costa's Hummingbird, American Kestrel, Rock Wren, Northern House Wren, Bewick's Wren. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Whitewater Preserve?
Birding at Whitewater Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Whitewater Preserve?
Whitewater Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.