2014 Late November At The Salton Sea

Salton Sea Sunsets — Amazing sunsets are often seen near Lack and Lindsay Roads, Salton Sea NWR. Imperial County, Southern California.

By the time November ends at the Salton Sea, the waterfowl population explodes. Snow Geese numbers can reach 30,000. Sandhill Cranes numbers seem to be increasing in each passing season. Where once we felt lucky to see a half-dozen cranes, now it is not unexpected to see hundreds. Yet I spent only a brief afternoon visit at the southwest corner of the sea, where these magnificent birds spend most of their time. Instead I opted to concentrate my attentions on the southeastern shores, where I prefer to camp for the night. My destination for this expedition was Bullhead City on the Colorado River to see friends, and I knew I would pass this way again on my return home, so why not explore some of my other favorite haunts at the Salton Sea? Aside from the promise of bird encounters along the eastern shore, the sunsets are often amazing, and on that count I was not disappointed.

The birds I met this afternoon and next morning were Snow Goose, Herring Gull, Brown Pelican, American White Pelican, Ring-Billed Gull, American Pipit, Gambel’s Quail, Abert’s Towhee.