 |
| American White Pelicans
were seen several times in and around the Salton sea. This group flew into Finney
Lake to rest and preen.
|
The Salton Sea lies over 100
miles to the north east of San Diego. The sea covers over 380 square miles and has
115 miles of shoreline, which is currently about 227 feet below sea level! Despite
it's size the maximum
depth is only about 51 feet leaving large areas of very shallow water suitable for
dabbling ducks and waders. The sea was formed in the early 1900s when the Colorado
River was accidentally diverted into the Imperial Valley. At that time water flowed
from the Colorado River into the new formed Salton Sea for sixteen months. It is now
fed by agricultural drainage and runoff from the surrounding mountains. Water leaves
the valley only by evaporation.
|
| American White Pelicans
were seen several times in and around the Salton sea. This group flew into Finney
Lake to rest and preen.
|
 |
| White-faced Ibis were present in huge numbers, which were only really appreciated when they were seen flying into roost over Harris Road, just south of Brawley. One of many such flocks is shown below. |
|
 |
American White Pelican - Preening at Finney Lake. |
| Pied-billed Grebe - Also seen at Finney Lake. |  |
 |
Great Blue Heron - A common species, particularly around the Salton sea. |
| Clark's Grebe - Seen at Finney Lake. Thanks to Bob Power for correcting my ID on this bird! |
 |
 |
Belted Kingfisher - Not uncommon around the edge of the edge of the Salton sea where rivers/inlets were present along with suitable perches. |
| Great Egret - A fairly common species in the Salton Sea area. |  |
 |
This is one of several Burrowing Owls seen along Vendel Road, which leads to the southern NWR area on the Salton sea. Artificial burrows had been placed at intervals. This was the only site where I saw this species. |
| Ospreys were seen in the San Diego area, although this individual was perched on one of the dead trees on the edge of the Salton sea. |  |
 |
Western Meadowlark - Reasonable numbers seen on farmland near to the Salton sea. A few also at Tijuana Slough. |
| Brawley area | |
| Point Loma and Sunset Cliffs | |
| Tijuana Slough NWR | Salton Sea Geese |
| Cuyamaca Lake/Laguna Mountains | Trip List |
| Other Sites | |
