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Sonny Bono Salton
Sea National Wildlife Refuge
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 Refuge Overview: Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR is one of the more unusual refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System as it is nearly entirely under water. Located in Calipatria, California, the refuge encompasses the Salton Sea, which was formed in 1905, when a man-made dike was breached by the Colorado River, flooding a vast section of desert 235 feet below sea level. Primarily fed by agricultural run-off, the salinity level of the sea is 30 percent greater than normal sea water. The sea and some surrounding lands were purchased for the National Refuge System, in part, with Federal Duck Stamp dollars. Today, the refuge is managed to provide winter feed for migratory waterfowl, preventing waterfowl-caused crop depredation to surrounding farms.
John and Karen Hollingsworth/USFWS-Photo
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Habitat: Despite high salinity, water quality
problems, and daily temperatures that climb above 100 degrees
for more than 6 months out of the year, the Salton Sea has become
an important stop-over spot for migratory birds and other wildlife.
In the winter, more than 30,000 Ross’ and Canada geese
and upwards of 60,000 ducks utilize the area as a feeding and
resting stop along their migration path. Millions of marsh and
shore birds also use the area. Endangered species, such as peregrine
falcons, California brown pelicans, Yuma clapper rails, and desert
pupfish, have been sited on the refuge at times as well. Other
types of wildlife, such as cottontail rabbits, raccoons, coyotes,
kit foxes, badgers, and bobcats also frequent the refuge. |
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Recreation Opportunities: The
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities
for viewing and photographing a wide variety of waterfowl and wildlife
species.
Additional Resources:
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