Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in California, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Blue-winged Teal, and Cinnamon Teal 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

5002/25/2026

Blue-winged Teal

12/25/2026

Cinnamon Teal

122/25/2026

Northern Shoveler

2002/25/2026

Gadwall

62/25/2026

Green-winged Teal

502/25/2026

Ruddy Duck

502/25/2026

Gambel's Quail

42/25/2026

Rock Pigeon

22/25/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

62/25/2026

Common Ground Dove

22/25/2026

Mourning Dove

62/25/2026

Greater Roadrunner

42/25/2026

Common Gallinule

12/25/2026

American Coot

1002/25/2026

Sandhill Crane

82/25/2026

Black-necked Stilt

802/25/2026

American Avocet

302/25/2026

Killdeer

262/25/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

1002/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge?
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.