Birding the Salton Sea, California
Salton Sea Sunset
The Salton Sea is a large inland sea in southern California of high salinity. It was created after diversion schemes on the Colorado River ran into a major flood in 1905. This flooding event continued for two years resulting in millions of gallons of water pouring into the area which is the current Salton Sea.
It has become a major wintering area for many bird species. These include Western Sandpiper, Marbled Godwit, Willet, Long-billed Dowitcher, Red-necked Phalarope, Black-necked Stilt and American Avocet.
One of my favorite species was Burrowing Owl, which can be found by checking out the banks of the irrigation ditches which line the roads.Also found in the surrounding fields are White-faced Ibis, Cattle and Great Egret, and Wood Stork.
 Burrowing Owl |
 Burrowing Owl |
In the drier areas you may see Western Kingbirds, Gambel’s Quail, and Abert’s Towhee.
The Yellow-footed Gull is rarely found anywhere else in the U.S. but here.
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Stumble It!
Did it already exist as a wetland before the “flubbed” diversion? I’m assuming it did. I’m a huge fan of Marc Risner’s Cadillac Desert. We also have burrowing owls here in south Florida.
Comment by Robert V Sobczak — October 24, 2008 @ 10:03 pm
Hi Robert:
I’m not sure if it was or not. The area around is very hot and dry, so I think it may have been a dry basin.
Your blog looks interesting.
Chears, Harold
Comment by Harold — October 25, 2008 @ 8:00 pm