CA ~ Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

Vermilion  Flycatcher

Nice to be able to visit this nature preserve again today.  I must admit  this area is one of my favorite places to see birds around Palm Desert.  Here are some of today's pictures and some scenery.  I started birding at the ballpark where I was lucky enough to again see the wonderful and colorful Vermilion Flycatcher and had close up looks at a Lincoln Sparrow. There were 5 Western Meadowlarks feeding in the outfields, some Western Bluebirds, Lesser Goldfinches and House Finches were in closer.  Next, I moved over to the Preserve where I hiked the Mesquite` Trail where I had great looks at an Orange-crowned Warbler and Western Wood Pewee.

Lincoln Sparrow

Orange-crowned Warbler

Wilson's Warbler

Baja Mexico trip Recap

Gray Hairstreak

I've been home a few days and it's great to be home but I am missing the nice sunny weather.  I am looking forward to better weather coming to NJ in the next few weeks and with it the start of spring migration.

In Mexico I was fortunate enough to add 14 species of birds to my life list including Hooded Oriole, Scott's Oriole, Pyrrhuloxia, Gila Woodpecker, Cactus Wren, Phainopepla, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Horned Lark, Crested Carcara, Brant's Cormorant, Western Kingbird, Gilded Flicker along with the 2 endemics Gray Thrasher and Xantus's Hummingbird. In total I saw 46 species of birds and many species of butterflies many of which I still need to ID.  There were 4 iguanas seen each living in it's own Cactus.
(left) Costa's Hummingbird

Orange-crowned Warbler

Fritillary - most likely Gulf or Mexican