Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Headquarters and Campground

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Headquarters and Campground is a productive birding destination in California, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Eurasian Collared-Dove, Black-necked Stilt, and American Avocet 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

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

3/2/2026Joshua Tree NP--Cottonwood Visitor Center2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

2/25/2026Joshua Tree NP--Bajada Nature Trail2 observed

Abert's Towhee

Melozone aberti

2/24/2026stakeout Abert’s Towhees, San Diego Co. (2024–2026)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

253/5/2026

Cinnamon Teal

73/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

43/5/2026

Common Gallinule

13/5/2026

American Coot

63/5/2026

Black-necked Stilt

13/5/2026

Least Sandpiper

503/5/2026

Western Sandpiper

23/5/2026

Great Egret

13/5/2026

Black Phoebe

23/5/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

13/5/2026

Song Sparrow

23/5/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

13/5/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/4/2026

American Avocet

13/4/2026

Black-bellied Plover

13/4/2026

Killdeer

33/4/2026

Eared Grebe

83/4/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/4/2026

Verdin

13/4/2026

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 State Recreation Area - Headquarters and Campground for birding?
The best months to visit Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Headquarters and Campground for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Headquarters and Campground?
Notable species at Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Headquarters and Campground include Eurasian Collared-Dove, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Headquarters and Campground?
Birding at Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Headquarters and Campground is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Headquarters and Campground?
Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Headquarters and Campground offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.