Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 212 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and American Wigeon 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

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

602/21/2026

Northern Shoveler

302/21/2026

American Wigeon

302/21/2026

Northern Pintail

1002/21/2026

Redhead

102/21/2026

Ruddy Duck

302/21/2026

Black-necked Stilt

302/21/2026

American Avocet

22/21/2026

Black-bellied Plover

22/21/2026

Killdeer

12/21/2026

Snowy Plover

252/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

12/21/2026

Sanderling

12/21/2026

Least Sandpiper

3002/21/2026

Western Sandpiper

502/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

502/21/2026

American Herring Gull

12/21/2026

California Gull

1002/21/2026

Eared Grebe

32/21/2026

Tree Swallow

252/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 - Salt Creek Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach 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 - Salt Creek Beach?
Notable species at Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Redhead. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach?
Birding at Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach?
Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.