Anza-Borrego Central: Birding Hotspots

Photo of a Gambel's Quail on a granite boulder at Culp Valley
Gambel's Quail at Culp Valley

Here are some favorite places for birding in central Anza-Borrego:

Borrego Sink — East of Borrego Springs off Borrego Palm Canyon Campground in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Peña Spring — Good birding area near Culp Valley Camp

San Felipe Valley — Pacific Crest Trail on the high ground, creekside trails on the low ground.

Sentenac Canyon and Cienega — Riparian area with good bird and animal viewing, riparian plants.

Pinyon Mountain Valley — In a pinyon-juniper woodland. A base for climbing Whale Peak. 4WD road to Vallecito-Fish Creek Badlands.

Yaqui Well — Near the intersection of County Road S-3 and Highway 78.

Hawk Canyon — Remarkable scenery, birding, and wildflowers in a peaceful canyon in the middle of the desert.

San Sebastian Marsh

Fish Creek Mountains — Remote, but don't overlook the possibilities.

For information on Borrego Sink, Peña Spring, Sentenac Canyon, Pinyon Mountain Valley, Yaqui Well, and Hawk Canyon, see Guide to Birds of the Anza-Borrego Desert by Barbara W. Massey.