Our three-day trip to the Salton Sea with 29 enthusiastic participants was nothing short of spectacular. The Salton Sea area includes a vast expanse of water, nutrient-rich mudflats, and farm fields and serves as a stopover for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway; because of these features, it is an extraordinary birding destination, and we were lucky to explore it together. On our first morning, we witnessed the breathtaking sight of thousands of snow geese and sandhill cranes lifting off at sunrise, their calls echoing across the water as the sky filled with soft hues of purple, pink, and gold—a truly magical experience that left us in awe and set the tone for the weekend. The group was incredibly kind, fun, and supportive, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made the journey even more enjoyable. Led by Steve Ellis, we explored the variety of birding hotspots, from wetlands and agricultural fields to shoreline habitats and prisons (true facts), ultimately spotting an impressive 110 species. Thanks to everyone for bringing the positive energy and friendship.
If you want to see a map of where we explored, a list of species, and incredible photos by our skilled photographers, check out our eBird Trip Report compiled by Steve Ellis. https://ebird.org/tripreport/
