Coachella Valley Wild Bird Center

Directions: 46500 Van Buren, Indio, 92201. Phone (760) 347-2647. www.coachellavalleywildbirdcenter.org Take Interstate 10 east, exit Golf Center Parkway and turn right. At the next stop sign, turn left on Avenue 45. Proceed 1 mile, and look for the entrance sign on the left, just past the wastewater plant.

About the Site: The Center opened in 1995 under the directorship of Linda York. The mission of this non-profit, volunteer-run, corporation is to care for and rehabilitate orphaned, sick, or injured native wild birds, with the ultimate goal being a successful release back into the wild. The Valley Sanitary District and the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians have contributed to the success of the Center and its wetland project.

Habitats: Artificial wetlands, including a series of connected ponds with viewing towers. Most of the birds will be found here or in the adjacent wash.

Birds and Other Wildlife: Signature species: Cinnamon Teal (best place in the Coachella Valley to find them), Pied-billed Grebe, Great Egret, Sora, Common Moorhen, Black-necked Stilt, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Great Horned Owl, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Marsh Wren, Abert’s Towhee, various dragonflies. Winter: Canada Goose, Ferruginous Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, American Goldfinch. Rarities: Greater White-fronted Goose, Wood Duck, Merlin, Wilson’s Snipe, Black Tern, Burrowing Owl, Eastern Phoebe, Lark Sparrow, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Bronzed Cowbird, Lawrence’s Goldfinch, Bobcat.

Best Times to Visit: October - May.

Additional Notes: Open daily, 9am-12pm - call ahead to be sure. A typical morning birdwalk may yield over 60 species, not including the captive birds which are also available for viewing. Free, guided birdwalks are offered monthly – call for times. Trails are hard-packed dirt.