Furnace Creek Ranch - The Ranch at Death Valley

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

$30 per vehicle (park entrance)

Hours

Open 24 hours

About This Location

Furnace Creek Ranch - The Ranch at Death Valley is a productive birding destination in California, with 366 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Common Goldeneye, and Eurasian Collared-Dove 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

Ruddy Ground Dove

Columbina talpacoti

3/5/2026Furnace Creek Ranch--The Ranch at Death Valley1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

2/26/2026Echo Canyon Road, DEATH VALLEY, California, US (36.468, -116.756)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

43/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Say's Phoebe

13/5/2026

Common Raven

23/5/2026

American Robin

23/5/2026

House Sparrow

123/5/2026

American Pipit

603/5/2026

House Finch

43/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

103/5/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

63/5/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

43/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/5/2026

Canada Goose

33/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

13/4/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

13/4/2026

Virginia Rail

13/4/2026

American Coot

13/4/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

33/4/2026

Great Egret

13/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Arrive early in the morning for peak bird activity and to secure parking at popular viewing areas.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Furnace Creek Ranch - The Ranch at Death Valley for birding?
The best months to visit Furnace Creek Ranch - The Ranch at Death Valley for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Furnace Creek Ranch - The Ranch at Death Valley?
Notable species at Furnace Creek Ranch - The Ranch at Death Valley include Canada Goose, Common Goldeneye, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Ruddy Ground Dove, Rufous Hummingbird, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, American Robin, House Sparrow, American Pipit. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Furnace Creek Ranch - The Ranch at Death Valley?
Birding at Furnace Creek Ranch - The Ranch at Death Valley is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Furnace Creek Ranch - The Ranch at Death Valley?
The entrance fee at Furnace Creek Ranch - The Ranch at Death Valley is $30 per vehicle (park entrance). Hours: Open 24 hours.
What amenities are available at Furnace Creek Ranch - The Ranch at Death Valley?
Furnace Creek Ranch - The Ranch at Death Valley offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.