A Winter Day at the Salton Sea: the South end and Imperial Valley

Leaders: Eddie Bartley and Noreen Weeden, eddie@naturetrip.com, 415-355-0450

Date: Monday January 19, 2026 (MLK Jr. Holiday); 8:00 AM until dusk

Price: $100 non-members, $80 members

Description: Join Eddie and Noreen at one of California's premiere birding destinations for an exploration of the wonderfully eccentric Salton Sea. Winter birds expected include most all of the waterbirds seen at other California Wildlife Refuges but also southern specialties like Gambel's Quail, Verdin,
Abert's Towhee and Large-billed Savannah Sparrow. Raptors galore and one of California's more robust Burrowing Owl populations reside in this area. Winter rarities are not uncommon either. A nice difference from the more northerly refuges is that the Salton Sea area is almost always warmer.

Limited to 12 participants, carpooling strongly encouraged.

Getting there: We'll begin our day in Brawley CA at The Brawley Inn then meander our way through the Imperial Valley to numerous birdy hotspots and wildlife refuges.

Past participants have typically gotten themselves to Palm Springs area or Airport (PSP). Numerous, relatively inexpensive non-stop flights from SFO and OAK - and then driven to Brawley about a 2-hour drive. From San Diego airport about 2 ½ hours.

Our final route will be refined based on scouting, recent sightings, weather and road conditions. We generally make our way to Unit One about an hour before sunset to enjoy a spectacle of re-settling birdlife amongst the chattering rhythms of rails.

For the day: bring lunch, liquids, dress in layers, etc. It may be muddy in places.

Registration for this event will close on Thursday January 15 at 11 pm.