Salton Sea - Poe Road

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Salton Sea - Poe Road is a productive birding destination in California, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Cactus Wren Greater Roadrunner Gambel's Quail Curve-billed Thrasher Phainopepla

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Gilded Flicker

Colaptes chrysoides

3/6/2026Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR--Union Tract / Visitor Center1 observed

Mountain Plover

Anarhynchus montanus

3/6/2026Lack Rd, Brawley US-CA 33.08108, -115.648759 observed

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

Black Thrush

Turdus infuscatus

2/25/2026West Lake1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

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 Salton Sea - Poe Road for birding?▼

The best months to visit Salton Sea - Poe Road for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Salton Sea - Poe Road?▼

Notable species at Salton Sea - Poe Road include Cactus Wren, Greater Roadrunner, Gambel's Quail, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.

How difficult is birding at Salton Sea - Poe Road?▼

Birding at Salton Sea - Poe Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Salton Sea - Poe Road?▼

Salton Sea - Poe Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.