The Salton Sea is a major stop on the Pacific Flyway and supports one of the most diverse bird populations in the U.S.

On the southeastern shore of the Sea is the Sonny Bono Salton Sea Wildlife Refuge, which is an unusually rich habitat for wintering and resident waterfowl, shorebirds, marsh birds and land birds. In addition, there are dozens of ponds, mudflats, and fertile fields in the surrounding area which draw wide varieties of resident and visiting birds.