Ive always enjoyed meredosia national wildlife refuge in central illinois it doesnt deserve a spot on this list because at most 10 people bird there a month, but it was the nearest one to. The refuge provides habitat for over 375 bird species for many as a critical. Audubon california board of directors audubon california. Situated along the pacific flyway, the refuge is the only one of its kind, located 227 feet 69 m below sea level. The sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge is located 40 miles 64 km north of the mexican border at the southern end of the salton sea in californias imperial valley. Our trip two years ago was very successful and we are looking forward to another birdie weekend. Originally, the refuge consisted of approximately 35,000 acres. Although there were efforts to save wild birds and wild places through parts of the 19th century, the history of serious bird conservation in this country began a little over a hundred years ago.
Birding the pee dee national wildlife refuge in spring and summer can be extremely rewarding. Wildlife management at the sonny bono salton sea nwr involves an intensive farming program to provide suitable forage for. Back at the salton sea national wildlife refuge, brandnew manager larry mcgowan has a. One of the true birding delights of the northern california coast, arcata marsh and wildlife sanctuary lies between highway 101 and arcata bay a segment of humboldt bay in the town of arcata. Okefenokee swamp national wildlife refuge is one of my very favorite places. During field trips, students learn why the salton sea is important to the surrounding ecosystems and to the millions of migratory birds that travel through the area each year. Create a new check list for sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge. Thanks to its location within the pacific flyway, the refuge is a significant spot for resting migratory birds. Many refuges have specific visitor services and other recreation opportunity maps. From russell lakes state wildlife area, travel highway 285 south for approximately 30 miles through the town of monte vista to the refuge. Regulation of recreation activities allow for public enjoyment of the refuge while still protecting the wildlife and habitats.
It is located within the pacific flyway, an important migration route for birds. The seal beach national wildlife refuge is a wildlife refuge encompassing 965 acres 3. Birding at the salton sea posted on march 29, 2010 by lou murray, ph. Sonny bono salton sea refuge management programs maintain and improve. Shown to have a greater diversity of avian species than that of the florida everglades, the salton sea is a vital habitat for more than 400 species of birds making it a one of north americas premier birding locations. Politically, the sea is a mosaic of ownership that includes indian tribal lands northwest, an inactive dod training range southwest, the sony bono salton sea national wildlife refuge south and southeast, salton sea state park northeast, and various private holdings. Le contes, bairds, grasshopper and nelsons sharptailed sparrow are here. From russell lakes state wildlife area, travel highway 285 south for approximately 30. Never during the period did the waters recede enough to again expose tracts 12 and, as irrigaticn water from the balance of cnit t later added to the cctursl suv. The definitive reference on the avifauna of the area is the birds of the salton sea, by patten, mccaskie, and unitt university of california press, 2003.
The salton sea is a big place, but i like to bird two main areas. Mar 17, 2016 the salton sea covers a huge area and there are many places to bird from but one of the easiest and best places is the sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge. National wildlife refuge system and salton sea national wildlife refuge hunting announcements. Bird and wildlife watching opportunities associated with the indian river lagoon and beaches along floridas space coast. In 1930 a national wildlife refuge was established. Sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge check list. Here are ten places for the traveling naturalist to explore this summer. This symbol indicates that the site is a designated site of the great florida birding trail. For those coming to the salton sea to see a specific bird, the book includes species accounts pinpointing where and when each species is most likely to be seen. Jun 01, 2002 for those coming to the salton sea to see a specific bird, the book includes species accounts pinpointing where and when each species is most likely to be seen. United states department of interior fish and wildlife service subject. Always take along plenty of watera gallon a day per person. Theyre deepwater habitats designed to grow fish, basically, so birds have fish to eat, said kealii bright, the deputy secretary for legislation with the california natural resources agency. Summer birding is usually best done from the comfort of your airconditioned, multiwindow bird blind.
Travelers and todays ecotourists often overlook our national wildlife refuge system in favor of. Finding birds at the salton sea and in imperial county. Birding around las vegas, favorite places far away, salton sea. The best months for bird watching at the salton sea are november to may. The nearly,000ha refuge is divided into almost equal parts of salt flats, open water and impoundment, and vegetated upland. Later this year, the state will start constructing habitat ponds at the salton sea.
The master naturalists also offer guided tours during festivals. The sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge is located 40 miles 64 km north of the. Jan 30, 2018 top 25 national wildlife refuges for birding january 30, 2018 by jason crotty 6 comments there are more than 550 national wildlife refuges in the united states, with at least one in every state and one within an hour drive of almost every major american city. This trip into the tijuana river valley along the mexican border will explore legendary birding hotspots like dairy mart ponds, the bird and butterfly garden, tijuana slough national wildlife refuge and the j street marina. Over 400 species of birds have been reported at the sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge, including a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds. In california, the book treats the kern nwr, hopper mountain nwr, salton sea nwr, and the tijuana slough nwr. Both the salton sea state recreation area and the salton sea national wildlife refuge are located on its shores. Rehabilitation of sick birds is also coordinated by the refuge. Mar 04, 2014 in 1930 a national wildlife refuge was established. Finding birds at the salton sea and in imperial county, california. The national wildlife refuge system is one of shining stars of united states conservation history, and the refuges in this system offer some worldclass nature experiences.
Jan 26, 2018 come see what you can see at the salton sea. Salt plains national wildlife refuge audubon important. Salton sea audubon california national audubon society. Wheeler national wildlife refuge guntersville lake 34.
Salton sea national wildlife refuge, a california national wildlife. Dont miss this easy twomile roundtrip walk with the wildlife refuge manager. Although it is located in orange county it is included as part of the san diego national wildlife refuge complex. Michelle nijhuis june 19, 2000 from the print edition.
One of the best areas for bird watching in southern california is the salton sea national wildlife refuge nwr. This refuge is a wonderful place to view huge numbers of shorebirds and waterfowl during both winter and migration times. Sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge wikipedia. Salton sea, waterfowl, refuge, wildlife, development, report created date. The salton sea, part 1 of a road trip from the salton sea. Federal, state, tribal and local entities, as well as concerned interest groups and individuals, are now working together to try to save the salton sea. Systems ceo susan kennedy, whose firms software helps utilities optimize their power choices every instant of every day. But there is a huge array of birds you are likely to see, including great blue herons, white ibis, green herons, and sandhill cranes. The sonny bono national wildlife refuge visitor center is a great. Waterfowl programs are designed to limit waterfowl depredations to adjacent croplands. Wrap up your birding excursion nearly fully circling the valley with a stop at the monte vista national wildlife refuge. The salton sea is a major draw for hundreds of different species of birds, making it a favorite stop for birdwatchers. The sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge is located in californias imperial valley. Vic leipzig leads birding trips throughout southern california for his birding and natural history classes, for audubon, and for private clients who hire him as a bird guide through.
Enjoy your journey into space coasts natural environment. Find out about the manmade dikes, the refuge farming, and the numerous types of wildlife, including many species of waterfowl that winter at the refuge. The mission of the friends organization is to support, complete, and enhance the balcones canyonlands national wildlife refuge and its diverse ecology and promote its use for recreational, educational, and scientific purposes. Schedule of events, site guides to 11 hotspots, bird count results, photo gallery, birding articles, and birding contest winners. Individual refuge results for parker river national wildlife refuge. Other check lists for sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge check lists for individual taxa that live here, e. Salt plains national wildlife refuge was established by executive order of president herbert hoover on 26 march 1930 as a refuge and breeding ground for birds. The salton sea is home to the sonny bono national wildlife refuge. Start at the visitor center of the sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge for trails and information. Aug 27, 2019 start at the visitor center of the sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge for trails and information. Situated along the pacific flyway, the refuge is the only one of.
Marsh birds and shorebirds account for more than 6,000,000 usedays each year. The salt marsh is one of the most biologically productive habitats on earth, and this florida refuge is one of the best places to see this profusion of life. Protection island national wildlife refuge port townsend. Less than an hour from indio, ca lies the salton sea. Salton sea national wildlife refuge and waterfowl development. Jun 11, 2014 a great blue heron stalks a salt marsh at st. The national wildlife refuge system protects wildlife and wildlife habitat on more than 150 million acres of. The sea is a globally significant important bird area iba. Sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge desertusa. Sfvas and the salton sea san fernando valley audubon society. Pedro served on the audubon california board of directors from 20112020. Bird and wildlife watching, saltwater, space coast north. Merritt island national wildlife refuge map merritt island nwr is one. Birding wildlife rockportfulton chamber of commerce.
For access information please check on the refuges web page or contact the refuge directly. Guide to birds of the salton sea also includes chapters on nocturnal roosts, nesting, rare species, species of concern, as well as cumulative tables. Salton sea national wildlife refuge is located 50 miles north of the mexican border at the southern end of the salton sea in californias imperial valley. Abbreviations prbo point reyes bird observatory ssnwr sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge wa wildlife area. Mark mushkat served on the board of audubon california from 202019.
Sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge sonny. I toured salton sea national wildlife refuge nwr in southeast california for bird watching on october 29, 2006. Salton sea is an inland saline lake in the sonoran desert of extreme southeastern california. Sbssnwr sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge the checklist is in a. Formed in 1905 when a break in a canal from the colorado river filled the salton trough, it is arguably the most important body of water for birds in the interior of california.
Top 25 national wildlife refuges for birding 10,000 birds. The sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge nwr consists of two separate. On the one hand, the fish, introduced tilapia especially, continue to thrive and the salton sea is considered by some to be the most productive fishery in the world. Specialty species of the area include yellowfooted gull, rails, and thrashers.
The texas ornithological society and the travis audubon society periodically schedule field trips to the refuge. The salton sea national wildlife refuge was established in 1930 at the southern end of the sea. It is the southernmost refuge in the pacific flyway and the only refuge located below sea level. The refuge was established as a sanctuary and breeding ground for birds and wild animals in 1930. The most complete list of links devoted to birds, birding and birding now 37654 urls. Links are ordered by geographical regions, or by special topics and they can be searched interactively. Prior to joining ac, he was a member of the board of directors of golden gate audubon for four years, serving on the executive, finance and development committees. The american bald eagle, manatee, nesting sea turtles and several endemic plant species call brevard home. Lake, sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge nwr, joshua tree national park and morongo birding. Warbler at the salton sea, california, in spring and fall 1999. A list of national wildlife refuges i have visited over the years, some before i began birding. The national wildlife refuge system protects wildlife and wildlife habitat on more than 150 million acres of land and water from the caribbean to the. The ecosystem is a study in contrasts and conflicts. Come see what you can see at the salton sea come join palomar audubon society as we bird the salton sea and areas around the sea and imperial valley january 26th28th, 2018.
Over 400 species of birds have been reported at the sonny bono salton sea national wildlife. Salton sea sonny bono national wildlife refuge greetings. Click on the icon for additional information the above map is for general location information only and does not imply access. The salton sea covers a huge area and there are many places to bird from but one of the easiest and best places is the sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge. Audubons campus chapter program takes a look at the salton sea with an interview with. Protection island national wildlife refuge is a birding adventure located in or near port townsend, wa. Bird watching at the sonny bono salton sea national. Salton sea national wildlife refuge and waterfowl development area 56 author.
Also in southern areas are farm fields and drainage ditches with tremendous birding opportunities. The refuge facilities are described in two current bird finding guides for texas. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the published start time. Watch for northern parula, prothonotary warbler, prairie warbler, yellowthroated warbler, kentucky warbler, indigo bunting, scarlet tanager, summer tanager, wood duck, wood storks, and the northern bobwhite. The space coasts best known great florida birding trail. In 2003 the california legislature passed the salton sea restoration. Don edwards san francisco bay national wildlife refuge exists to preserve wildlife habitat, protect threatened and endangered. The salton sea is one of the most important places for birds in north america and is in. Birding friends of balcones canyonlands national wildlife.
Sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge leader. The sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge provides numerous recreation opportunities to thousands of visitors every year. Sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge whsrn. Birds, birding trips and birdwatching tours in state of. Wetland birds are abundant from october thorough may. Once a recreation mecca for desert snowbirds, the salton sea is a far cry from the vacation spot it used to be. Ankeny nwr marion county, oregon located near the confluence of the willamette and santiam rivers, ankeny national wildlife refuge was established in 1965 as part of the willamette valley national wildlife refuge complex. The humbolt bay national wildlife refuge has great views of the bay and its birds. The refuge habitats and the salton sea are vital to these migrating birds as a resting place and wintering area. During the winter and spring, a variety of smaller birds and raptors occupy the refuge. The refuge was established as a sanctuary and breeding ground for birds and other wildlife when 32,766 acres were set aside in 1930.
Come join palomar audubon society as we bird the salton sea and areas around the sea and imperial valley january 26th28th, 2018. Sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge us fish and. The refuge was established as a sanctuary and breeding ground for birds and other wildlife when 32,766. Merritt island national wildlife refuge map merritt island nwr is one of the top birding sites along the florida atlantic coast. Alligators are a guaranteed sighting, and so are hawks. Salton sea state recreation area in the northeast, and sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge on the southeast and south. Phenology of the yellow warbler, willow flycatcher, and warbling vireo at the salton sea, california, in spring and fall 1999. Ro wauer and mark elwongers birding texas and ed kutacs birders guide to texas. The salton sea, part 1 of a road trip from the salton sea to. People enjoy viewing the unique geology and diverse wildlife, whether driving or hiking.
Now, because the salton sea is slowly receding, only about 826 manageable acres remain. Like so many great conservation ideas, the national wildlife refuge began under president theodore roosevelt. The refuge was established in 1930 by presidential proclamation. Area and sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge. With a bird list of more the 300 species, its pretty close to a birders paradise. Birds of sonny bono salton sea national wildlife refuge. Mar 29, 2010 this entry was posted in uncategorized and tagged bird guide, bird watching, birding, guide, imperial valley, salton sea, sonny bono national wildlife refuge, southwest birders, vic leipzig, wildlife guide. Here are some photos from two recent trips to the salton sea in imperial county, ca. Tools for identifying and learning about wild bird species in north america, us and canada.
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