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Birding in Borrego Springs |
Book Reference Guide to the Birds of the Anza-Borrego Desert. |
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During normal times ABDNHA has weekly bird walks open to the
public and there is an annual birding festival in March, during
peak migration. There is also a Borrego Valley Hawkwatch in
February and March. During this time of COVID the focus is on
individual or small group birding trips. If you have specific questions about where or when to see specific birds, you can Ask a Local Birder, at the bottom of this page. Some of the best areas for birding include: Borrego Palm Canyon Park in the day use area at the end of the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground and explore the lower area of the trail, around the pupfish pond and the moist and brushy areas in the parts of the wash where water ocassionally flows. Typical desert birds such as cactus wrens are often spotted in this area. Directions: From Christmas Circle go 1.4 miles, just past the intersection with Hoberg Road and turn right at the campground sign. Book Reference: AB Desert Region, pgs 72-78. Tamarisk Grove & Yaqui Well Long-eared owls are often seen around the Tamarisk Gove Campground and Yaqui Well, reached at the end of a good dirt road accross froom the campground is a good spot to see a variety of species. Directions: From Christmas Circle go south on Borrego Springs Road for 2.7 miles, at the Y go right on Yaqui Pass Road and continue 6.6 miles straight ahead and over Yaqui Pass to arrive at the campground on the left side of the roadway. Yaqui Well is reached via a dirt road across from the campground. Book Reference: AB Desert Region, pgs 161- 164. Aqua Caliente County Park LIf you want to see Phenopeplas, this is the place to go. They are frequently seen along the end of the Moonlight Canyon Trail feasting on mistletoe. Other desert species such as quail and roadrunners are frequently seen in and the desert greenery of the campground and dayuse areas. Agua Caliente also offers the extra bonus of very nice naturally heated hot pools and swimming pool, although they may not be open due to COVID. Check when you get there. Directions: From Christmas Circle go south on Borrego Springs Road for 2.7 miles, at the Y go right on Yaqui Pass Road and continue 6.6 miles straight ahead and over Yaqui Pass to the intersection with CA-78. Go right on CA-78 and continue 7 miles to the junction with the Great Southern Overland Stage Route. Continue for 21 miles to Agua Caliente County Park. AB Desert Region, pgs 218- 219. Local Greenery and Water Features The pond at the Springs RV park is a popular local area to see water birds and a vaiety of other species. Keep in mind that this is a private area. Park in parking lot outside of the RV areas and stop by the office to ask permission to walk around the pond. Directions: From Christmas Circle go east on Palm Canyon Drive for .5 miles and trun left on Di Giorgio Road. The Springs at Borrego RV park is on the right. The Salton Sea The Salton Sea is a little over one hour from Borrego Springs The areas at the south end of the Salton Sea, in and around the Sonny Bono wildlife area, offer excellent birding year round but early winter is the best time. Burrowing Owls are very common along the roadsides of the agricultural fields south of the wildlife refuge. Make the refuge visitor center your first stop, it is often an excellent spot for birding, and ask what is currently being seen and the best places to go. Directions: From Christmas Circle go south on Borrego Springs Road for 2.7 miles, continue straight ahead through the interesetion for 6.2 miles to CA 78 and turn left. At the intersection with Highway 86 turn right and go 9.6 miles to Bannister Road, turn left onto Bannister Road and go 5.7 miles to Forrester Road, turn left onto Forrester, go 2 miles to Obrien, turn left onto Gentry and continue straight for 9.4 miles to the visitor center. The Borrego Valley Hawkwatch Each spring in Borrego Springs provides a window into the migration patterns of Swainson's Hawks. Swainson's Hawks spend the winter in Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina. In early to mid-February the first Swainson's hawks arrive in the Borrego Valley from Mexico. As the season progrreses the hawks arrive from Colombia, and finally in April, from Argentina. The journey from Argentina is over 6,000 miles. The highest period of migration is mid-late March. See The Borrego Valley Hawkwatch for more information. Ask a Local Birder Do you have a specific Borrego Springs birding question you would like to have an answer to? Ask a local birder and we will get back to you with a reply. |
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Learn More about this topic With books, maps, and guides from the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center Store 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Visit us in person or shop online. Select "Pickup" as your shipping method and pickup your items when you arrive with no shipping fees. |
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