Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
Park Wildlife refuge protecting Salton Sea wetlands and birds
On the northeastern shore of the Salton Sea, the Sonny Bono refuge protects wetland habitat for migratory birds; photographers and birdwatchers use viewing blinds, short trails and seasonal marsh access.
The Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuge located on the Salton Sea shoreline in southeastern California and named for former Congressman Sonny Bono. It is significant as a wetland and shoreline stopover on the Pacific Flyway.
The refuge contains a mix of wetlands, salt flats and desert edge habitat that supports large congregations of waterfowl, shorebirds and migratory songbirds. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching from roadside pullouts and informal viewing spots are the main visitor activities. Expect broad, open views across tidal flats and marsh channels rather than developed visitor facilities.
The area has been managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect migratory birds and wetland habitat and was later renamed in honor of Sonny Bono. Management has focused on maintaining wetlands and monitoring bird populations as Salton Sea salinity and water levels have changed.
The refuge sits on the shoreline of the Salton Sea in southeastern California, within the desert landscape of Imperial and Riverside county environs and near small shoreline communities. Access is by local roads off the state highway network.
- Management: Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with an emphasis on wetlands and shoreline habitat for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.
- Best time to visit: Peak bird concentrations occur during winter and spring migration, so bring binoculars and plan visits around those seasons.
How to Get to Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge #
From Palm Desert/Indio take CA-111 or CA-86 toward the Salton Sea; the refuge is accessed from roads off State Route 111 near North Shore and Mecca. The refuge lies north of the sea; nearest towns include Mecca and Salton City. Driving is the only practical option; high-clearance vehicles are not required for the main observation areas.
Tips for Visiting Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge #
- Early morning and late afternoon are best for birdwatching; the saline flats attract migratory shorebirds.
- Stay on designated routes and observation points to protect fragile wetland habitats.
- Bring polarized lenses to reduce glare when viewing the lake and mudflats; binoculars reveal distant colonies.
Best Time to Visit Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge #
Best visited from late autumn through spring for migratory birds and milder temperatures; summers are very hot.
Weather & Climate near Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge #
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 37°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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June
June is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 37°C and lows of 24°C. Almost no rain.
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August
August is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 25°C. Almost no rain.
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September
September is hot with highs of 34°C and lows of 23°C. Almost no rain.
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October
October is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain.
