Hello!
So a bit of an erratic day off this week, leading to this update with no photos (sorry). I drew the short straw this week and worked until 7:00 the night before, so I ran for Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in the dark and crashed in the Jeep. I awoke in the morning, went for a short hike, and returned to find that I had developed a severe coolant leak. After some consideration I decided to cut my visit short to drive to town and get it repaired. And so I drove from the desert, heater on full bore and pouring precious water into my thirsty vehicle, only to discover that it was Sunday and all of the shops were closed.
The silver lining to this cloud, as it were, is that on the highway north out of Kofa I spotted a largish (4 ft) Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) crossing the road. I slammed on the brakes and skittered to the roadside, throwing my laptop and other paraphernalia against the dash, and bolted after the speedy serpent. Sadly my encounter was short-lived, as he disappeared into some dense brush before I could get myself repeatedly bitten. Still cool though.
One more cool sighting to report. The sound of slithering today drew me to a hefty Western Diamondback, mostly concealed under some brush. He was making some erratic movements and tongue-flicking rapidly, and it looked to me as if he was trying to court a mesquite branch. Then I noticed the scared-looking juvenile that he was trying to do the nasty with, and all became clear. She was not pleased, but I was elated at my dirty, dirty discovery.
Anyway, that`s all for now. More to come...
Kyle
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Joshua Tree National Park
Hello!
After a lengthy bird drought here at Cibola, we finally had the fallout we've been waiting for. A huge influx of birds had us running between net lanes this morning (a good workout in the soft sand!). The highlights were a Hermit Warbler and Cassin's Vireo, and we caught tons of Orange-crowned Warbler and Warbling Vireo. Nice to see the birds have finally arrived!
I spent my day off this week at Joshua Tree National Park. I decided (against my better judgement) to tag along with the housemates. They definitely do not travel like I prefer to, and much time was spent cooking, socializing and shopping. The large group is definitely encumbering when trying to get out and see things, especially when they are not overly motivated. Enough of my complaining though, Joshua Tree is very cool and I did get some decent photos. I also had the pleasure of listening to the music of Lyle Lovitt on the drive. For those of you unfamiliar, I would like to share with you some lyrical selections:
This old porch is like a steaming, greasy plate of enchiladas
With lots of cheese and onions
And a guacamole salad
And you can get'em down at the LaSalle Hotel In old downtown
With iced tea and a waitress
And she will smile every time
And if that wasn't enough...
If I had a boat I'd go out on the ocean
And if I had a pony I'd ride him on my boat
And we could all together
Go out on the ocean
Me upon my pony on my boat
Stunning.
Ok, on to the photos. It was an oddly overcast day in the desert so not the greatest landscape shots, but at least they get the point across. For many, one of the big appeals to Joshua Tree is the spring wildflower bloom. Many of the flowers were doing their thing, so I did grab some photos. I have no idea what any of them are, so please don't ask, but do tell if you know!
Along a trail, someone spotted a Black-throated Sparrow nest. The female was surprisingly calm about our presence, and even flew in and fed the chicks while we stood 20 feet away.
Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata) at nest with two chicks - cropped
On the way back to the campsite I spotted this singing male, posted up on a creosote bush.
Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata) - cropped
Joshua Tree is home to some weird vegetation. Not the least of this is the Ocotillo, a gnarly cactus with brilliant red blooms.
Ocotillo Flower
Ocotillo Patch
There are also several varieties of Cholla cactus, mostly (it seems) named after things that are cute and squishy.
Teddy Bear Cholla flower
Teddy Bear Cholla 'forest'
Finally, a 'forest' of Joshua Trees, for which the park is named.
Joshua Trees
That's all for this week, until next time!
Kyle
After a lengthy bird drought here at Cibola, we finally had the fallout we've been waiting for. A huge influx of birds had us running between net lanes this morning (a good workout in the soft sand!). The highlights were a Hermit Warbler and Cassin's Vireo, and we caught tons of Orange-crowned Warbler and Warbling Vireo. Nice to see the birds have finally arrived!
I spent my day off this week at Joshua Tree National Park. I decided (against my better judgement) to tag along with the housemates. They definitely do not travel like I prefer to, and much time was spent cooking, socializing and shopping. The large group is definitely encumbering when trying to get out and see things, especially when they are not overly motivated. Enough of my complaining though, Joshua Tree is very cool and I did get some decent photos. I also had the pleasure of listening to the music of Lyle Lovitt on the drive. For those of you unfamiliar, I would like to share with you some lyrical selections:
This old porch is like a steaming, greasy plate of enchiladas
With lots of cheese and onions
And a guacamole salad
And you can get'em down at the LaSalle Hotel In old downtown
With iced tea and a waitress
And she will smile every time
And if that wasn't enough...
If I had a boat I'd go out on the ocean
And if I had a pony I'd ride him on my boat
And we could all together
Go out on the ocean
Me upon my pony on my boat
Stunning.
Ok, on to the photos. It was an oddly overcast day in the desert so not the greatest landscape shots, but at least they get the point across. For many, one of the big appeals to Joshua Tree is the spring wildflower bloom. Many of the flowers were doing their thing, so I did grab some photos. I have no idea what any of them are, so please don't ask, but do tell if you know!
Along a trail, someone spotted a Black-throated Sparrow nest. The female was surprisingly calm about our presence, and even flew in and fed the chicks while we stood 20 feet away.
Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata) at nest with two chicks - cropped
On the way back to the campsite I spotted this singing male, posted up on a creosote bush.
Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata) - cropped
Joshua Tree is home to some weird vegetation. Not the least of this is the Ocotillo, a gnarly cactus with brilliant red blooms.
Ocotillo Flower
Ocotillo Patch
There are also several varieties of Cholla cactus, mostly (it seems) named after things that are cute and squishy.
Teddy Bear Cholla flower
Teddy Bear Cholla 'forest'
Finally, a 'forest' of Joshua Trees, for which the park is named.
Joshua Trees
That's all for this week, until next time!
Kyle
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Salton Sea
Outside my cramped Jeep
The morning sky grows lighter
Salton Sea awaits.
Hello!
Another week gone, and more interesting highlights to report. Migration is only beginning to pick up, and new birds are appearing on the site regularly. Especially of note was the appearance of a Black-throated Gray Warbler, a regular for the site but a first for me. We are also regularly seeing Bullock's Oriole, Hermit Thrush and White-crowned Sparrow. Reptile activity remains largely the same, though I have added Long-tailed Grass Lizard to my list. I was fortunate enough to come across another Western Diamondback the other day while I was walking and daydreaming, and he was quite subdued at my intrusion, not even rattling as I observed and passed by.
My day off this week was spent at Salton Sea, a migration mecca in southern California. I picked up 6 life-birds: Black Rail, Black Phoebe, Gull-billed Tern, Burrowing Owl, Eared Grebe and the long awaited American Avocet. There were also a number of new birds for the trip, including both Pelicans, the federally endangered Yuma Clapper Rail, and a number of shorebirds and gulls. I was largely too awestruck with my surroundings to take photos, but I did snap a few. As much as I hate to edit photos, birds are hard, so some of these have been adjusted as indicated.
I arrived at the Sea in the late afternoon. I hiked a short trail at Dos Palmas preserve, then headed down to Salton Sea National Recreation Area to camp (for free, I might add, as long as you leave before the ranger comes by). Before turning in I grabbed a few sunset photos of the sea.
Salton Sea Sunset
Up before the dawn the following morning, so that I could be at Sony Bono National Wildlife Refuge for sunrise. Like most good shorebird and seabird habitat, the area is disgusting. It smells and is not visually appealing...and the birds love it. Lots of pelicans, grebes, ducks, terns, stilts and avocets. Many of the birds seemed quite leery of human presence and moved away quickly, but I did take a couple shots of Eared Grebes, a new bird for me, and the second last North American Grebe I need (Least Grebe, one day...).
Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) - cropped
On the way out, there were a couple of Common Ground Doves at the visitor's centre feeder.
Common Ground Dove (Columbina passerina)
At the southern section of the refuge many of the trails were closed to traffic, and the one trail that was open was not overly productive. It did redeem itself as I returned to the parking lot, with a quick glimpse at a Black Rail, which I flushed out of some vegetation. I also managed to get some shots of a singing Marsh Wren.
Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris)
Back on the beach at the National Recreation Area I was able to pick up a few shorebirds, and as I was walking back to the car I spotted a Zebra-tailed Lizard. He camouflaged so well in the sand that I could hardly find him in my viewfinder, but when he ran he flipped his tail up over his back and flashed the black and white underside.
Zebra-tailed Lizard (Callisaurus draconoides)
To wrap up the day I made another trip to Dos Palmas to do a bit more hiking. Very few birds observed here, but these amazing red dragonflies were about all day. They are large, the size of a king skimmer, and have tinted wings. I think they are an amberwing, but really have no idea.
Flame Skimmer (Libellula saturata)
Anyway, that's all for this time. At last bird count I am at 133 species, including 30 new ones, so no complaints! Hope everyone is well at home!
Kyle
The morning sky grows lighter
Salton Sea awaits.
Hello!
Another week gone, and more interesting highlights to report. Migration is only beginning to pick up, and new birds are appearing on the site regularly. Especially of note was the appearance of a Black-throated Gray Warbler, a regular for the site but a first for me. We are also regularly seeing Bullock's Oriole, Hermit Thrush and White-crowned Sparrow. Reptile activity remains largely the same, though I have added Long-tailed Grass Lizard to my list. I was fortunate enough to come across another Western Diamondback the other day while I was walking and daydreaming, and he was quite subdued at my intrusion, not even rattling as I observed and passed by.
My day off this week was spent at Salton Sea, a migration mecca in southern California. I picked up 6 life-birds: Black Rail, Black Phoebe, Gull-billed Tern, Burrowing Owl, Eared Grebe and the long awaited American Avocet. There were also a number of new birds for the trip, including both Pelicans, the federally endangered Yuma Clapper Rail, and a number of shorebirds and gulls. I was largely too awestruck with my surroundings to take photos, but I did snap a few. As much as I hate to edit photos, birds are hard, so some of these have been adjusted as indicated.
I arrived at the Sea in the late afternoon. I hiked a short trail at Dos Palmas preserve, then headed down to Salton Sea National Recreation Area to camp (for free, I might add, as long as you leave before the ranger comes by). Before turning in I grabbed a few sunset photos of the sea.
Salton Sea Sunset
Up before the dawn the following morning, so that I could be at Sony Bono National Wildlife Refuge for sunrise. Like most good shorebird and seabird habitat, the area is disgusting. It smells and is not visually appealing...and the birds love it. Lots of pelicans, grebes, ducks, terns, stilts and avocets. Many of the birds seemed quite leery of human presence and moved away quickly, but I did take a couple shots of Eared Grebes, a new bird for me, and the second last North American Grebe I need (Least Grebe, one day...).
Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) - cropped
On the way out, there were a couple of Common Ground Doves at the visitor's centre feeder.
Common Ground Dove (Columbina passerina)
At the southern section of the refuge many of the trails were closed to traffic, and the one trail that was open was not overly productive. It did redeem itself as I returned to the parking lot, with a quick glimpse at a Black Rail, which I flushed out of some vegetation. I also managed to get some shots of a singing Marsh Wren.
Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris)
Back on the beach at the National Recreation Area I was able to pick up a few shorebirds, and as I was walking back to the car I spotted a Zebra-tailed Lizard. He camouflaged so well in the sand that I could hardly find him in my viewfinder, but when he ran he flipped his tail up over his back and flashed the black and white underside.
Zebra-tailed Lizard (Callisaurus draconoides)
To wrap up the day I made another trip to Dos Palmas to do a bit more hiking. Very few birds observed here, but these amazing red dragonflies were about all day. They are large, the size of a king skimmer, and have tinted wings. I think they are an amberwing, but really have no idea.
Flame Skimmer (Libellula saturata)
Anyway, that's all for this time. At last bird count I am at 133 species, including 30 new ones, so no complaints! Hope everyone is well at home!
Kyle
Blogger Woes
So I am attempting to post a lengthy update with many photos, but Blogger has decided not to upload photos today. Can't say I didn't try, hopefully I'll be able to get them up soon!
Cheers!
Kyle
Cheers!
Kyle
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