Picacho State Recreation Area

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Picacho State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in California, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Gambel's Quail, American Coot, and Gila Woodpecker 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

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

3/5/2026Imperial NWR (Yuma Co.)1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/4/2026Cottonwood gallery restoration site1 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/4/2026Cottonwood gallery restoration site2 observed

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

3/2/2026Senator Wash Reservoir1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

3/2/2026Senator Wash Reservoir2 observed

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

3/2/2026Senator Wash Reservoir1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/2/2026Senator Wash Reservoir5 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/2/2026Living Waters parcel1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

3/1/2026White Road, Winterhaven, California, US (32.792, -114.612)2 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

2/28/2026Living Waters parcel1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

2/27/2026Felicity, California, US (33.202, -114.72)1 observed

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 Picacho State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Picacho State Recreation Area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Picacho State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Picacho State Recreation Area include Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Gila Woodpecker, Common Raven, Verdin. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Picacho State Recreation Area?
Birding at Picacho State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Picacho State Recreation Area?
Picacho State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.