Overview

The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is located on the northeast side of the Salton Sea. The marina behind the visitor center can provide good birding. The spit that protects the marina has shaded picnic tables that are nice for birding over the water, and marshes along the shoreline south of the marina provide habitat for wading birds and other waterbirds. The cactus garden behind the entrance station has trees, palms, and a pool of water (for pupfish) that attract upland birds.

The State Recreation Area is a day-use area, but it provides camping and nighttime fishing, and therefore the area actually is open 24 hours for campers, and campers can visit the marina at night to see dozens of Black-crowned Night Herons and other birds at night.

Location

The State Recreation Area stretches out along the northeast side of the Salton Sea. Headquarters is located along Highway 111, just south of the town of North Shore. Watch for road signs along Highway 111. Link to Area Map.

Amenities

Birdwatching areas are located in wild desert and rural farming country with few amenities. Larger cities to the north and south of the sea provide everything. Smaller towns such at North Shore and Niland provide essential services. A Visitor Center, Rest Rooms, and camping are available in the State Recreation Area.

Hours

Day-use except for campers. Visit during the cooler seasons (fall, winter, and spring); the best birding is during the fall and spring migrations.

Fees

Entrance to the State Recreation Area charges $5-8 per vehicle depending on season. Camping fees range from $20-30 per site depending on season and type of site (tent vs. RV hookup).

Specialties

The Salton Sea supports lots of specialty birds, but it is a great place to see vast numbers of Eared Grebes and Brown Pelicans, and it is a good place to see Burrowing Owls and Common Ground Doves. Keep an eye out for Blue-footed Boobies, Yellow-footed Gulls, and other oddities.

For More Information

Visit the State Recreation Area website. There are lots of online resources (google Salton Sea bird watching).