Palo Verde Ecological Reserve

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Palo Verde Ecological Reserve is a productive birding destination in California, with 274 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Ring-necked Duck, Common Goldeneye, and Gambel's Quail 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

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

3/3/2026Palo Verde Ecological Reserve1 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

3/3/2026Palo Verde Ecological Reserve1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/2/2026Power Line Road, Blythe, California, US (33.574, -114.819)

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

2/26/2026Palo Verde Ecological Reserve1 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

2/26/2026Palo Verde Ecological Reserve1 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

2/26/2026Palo Verde Ecological Reserve1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

2/26/2026Palo Verde Ecological Reserve1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

2/26/2026Palo Verde Ecological Reserve1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

2/26/2026Palo Verde Ecological Reserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-necked Duck

23/3/2026

Common Goldeneye

63/3/2026

Gambel's Quail

123/3/2026

Inca Dove

73/3/2026

Mourning Dove

43/3/2026

Greater Roadrunner

33/3/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

23/3/2026

Sora

23/3/2026

American Coot

103/3/2026

Killdeer

13/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

503/3/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

63/3/2026

American Kestrel

13/3/2026

Black Phoebe

13/3/2026

Say's Phoebe

13/3/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

13/3/2026

Common Raven

23/3/2026

Verdin

153/3/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

203/3/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

33/3/2026

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 Palo Verde Ecological Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Palo Verde Ecological Reserve for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Palo Verde Ecological Reserve?
Notable species at Palo Verde Ecological Reserve include Ring-necked Duck, Common Goldeneye, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Mourning Dove. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Palo Verde Ecological Reserve?
Birding at Palo Verde Ecological Reserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Palo Verde Ecological Reserve?
Palo Verde Ecological Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.