Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds is a productive birding destination in California, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mallard, and Common Merganser 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

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

3/5/2026Paradise (town)2 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

3/1/2026Bishop, California, US (37.32, -118.571)1 observed

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

3/1/2026Old Stagecoach road4 observed

White-throated Swift

Aeronautes saxatalis

2/28/2026Lower Rock Creek5 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

2/24/2026Pleasant Valley Reservoir1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)

Junco hyemalis

2/23/2026Paradise (town)1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (cismontanus)

Junco hyemalis

2/23/2026Paradise subdivision N2 observed

Greater Roadrunner

Geococcyx californianus

2/22/2026Paradise (town)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Wigeon

43/1/2026

Mallard

33/1/2026

Common Merganser

123/1/2026

Ruddy Duck

153/1/2026

American Coot

753/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

33/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/1/2026

Marsh Wren

13/1/2026

Song Sparrow

13/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/1/2026

Gadwall

22/28/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

12/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

22/28/2026

Common Raven

12/28/2026

Tree Swallow

12/28/2026

Bewick's Wren

12/28/2026

Ring-necked Duck

92/28/2026

Western Meadowlark

12/28/2026

Killdeer

12/28/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

22/28/2026

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 Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds for birding?
The best months to visit Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds?
Notable species at Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds include American Wigeon, Mallard, Common Merganser, Ruddy Duck, American Coot. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds?
Birding at Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds?
Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.