Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge - Union Tract / Visitor Center

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge - Union Tract / Visitor Center is a productive birding destination in California, with 283 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Common Ground Dove 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

303/3/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

13/3/2026

Common Ground Dove

33/3/2026

Black Phoebe

13/3/2026

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

13/3/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/3/2026

Abert's Towhee

13/3/2026

Western Meadowlark

23/3/2026

Verdin

13/3/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

13/3/2026

Gambel's Quail

13/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/2/2026

House Sparrow

53/2/2026

European Starling

23/2/2026

Mourning Dove

62/28/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

12/28/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

12/28/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

12/28/2026

House Finch

52/28/2026

Cinnamon Teal

62/27/2026

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 - Union Tract / Visitor Center for birding?
The best months to visit Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge - Union Tract / Visitor Center 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 - Union Tract / Visitor Center?
Notable species at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge - Union Tract / Visitor Center include Snow Goose, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Common Ground Dove, Black Phoebe, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge - Union Tract / Visitor Center?
Birding at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge - Union Tract / Visitor Center is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge - Union Tract / Visitor Center?
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge - Union Tract / Visitor Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.