Equipped with scopes, binoculars and high-powered cameras, dozens of birders gathered at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area in Mecca for the annual Salton Sea Bird Festival. Hosted by the Sea and Desert Interpretive Association, San Diego Bird Alliance and the Audubon Society, in partnership with the Salton Sea State Recreation Area and the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, the festival took place on Saturday, Jan. 18.  The annual event brings together birders, conservationists and nature enthusiasts to observe migratory species, discuss birding techniques, and, in recent years, to raise awareness of the environmental challenges facing California’s largest lake. As the Salton Sea continues to shrink due to declining water inflows and increasing salinity, experts warn of significant impacts on bird populations that rely on this vital stop along the Pacific Flyway.