Salton Sea - Red Hill area

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Salton Sea - Red Hill area is a productive birding destination in California, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Snow Goose, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

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

Snow Goose

2/21/2026

Cinnamon Teal

22/21/2026

Northern Shoveler

2/21/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

32/21/2026

White-winged Dove

22/21/2026

Greater Roadrunner

12/21/2026

American Avocet

2/21/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

22/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

12/21/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

12/21/2026

Snowy Egret

12/21/2026

American White Pelican

12/21/2026

Northern Harrier

12/21/2026

American Kestrel

22/21/2026

Black Phoebe

22/21/2026

Verdin

22/21/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

112/21/2026

Song Sparrow

42/21/2026

Abert's Towhee

12/21/2026

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 Salton Sea - Red Hill area for birding?
The best months to visit Salton Sea - Red Hill area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Salton Sea - Red Hill area?
Notable species at Salton Sea - Red Hill area include Snow Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Collared-Dove, White-winged Dove. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salton Sea - Red Hill area?
Birding at Salton Sea - Red Hill area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Salton Sea - Red Hill area?
Salton Sea - Red Hill area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.