Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

FallWinterSpring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland is a productive birding destination in California, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Great Egret, and Great Blue Heron among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Mourning Dove Great Egret Great Blue Heron Turkey Vulture White-tailed Kite

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

3/3/2026Salton Sea NWR--Unit 1 (no public access north of observation deck)3 observed

Sprague's Pipit

Anthus spragueii

2/28/202692233, Calipatria US-CA (33.1022,-115.4573)1 observed

Mountain Plover

Anarhynchus montanus

2/23/20266005 Lack Road, Calipatria, California, US (33.091, -115.649)47 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

32/22/2026

Great Egret

12/22/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/22/2026

Turkey Vulture

42/22/2026

White-tailed Kite

22/22/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/22/2026

Black Phoebe

12/22/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

52/22/2026

Savannah Sparrow

22/22/2026

Song Sparrow

52/22/2026

Western Meadowlark

12/22/2026

Common Yellowthroat

22/22/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

42/22/2026

Northern Shoveler

342/20/2026

Gadwall

22/20/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

12/20/2026

American Coot

42/20/2026

Black-necked Stilt

162/20/2026

Killdeer

12/20/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

5002/20/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland for birding?▼

The best months to visit Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland?▼

Notable species at Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland include Mourning Dove, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, White-tailed Kite. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland?▼

Birding at Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland?▼

Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.