Flowers were quite sparse this time at Joshua Tree National Park. There were none near Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms. There were a few between the Cottonwood Visitor Center and the 10 freeway. If you get out and search on foot, you may find some "belly flowers" like these Bigelow Monkeyflower.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Joshua Tree National Park - Ocotillo
The Ocotillo produces bright red blooms in the spring, and sometimes again in the fall.
Joshua Tree National Park - Great Basin Whiptail
I saw several of these Great Basin Whiptails running around. I found this guy at the Octotillo Patch.
Joshua Tree National Park - butterfly
I was tracking the Black Throated Sparrow when I saw this pretty butterfly nearby. Took a quick pic of it before it flew off.
Joshua Tree National Park - Black Throated Sparrow
The Black Throated Sparrow is found primarily in the southwest US and Mexico, in arid, desert areas.
Joshua Tree National Park - Cactus Wren
This guy was hanging out at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center, singing loudly.
Joshua Tree National Park - Cactus Wren
There were quite a few Cactus Wrens out at the park...and if you didn't see them, you could surely hear them. Their song is quite distinctive. I found this guy at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. I have been trying to get a pic of one of these guys forever!
Prado Regional Park - Vermillion Flycatcher
Finally found the Vermillion Flycatcher....been looking forever for one of these. I stopped in Chino, CA on the way back from Joshua Tree National Park to see if I could find one of these guys, and sure enough, I spotted one on the fence across from parking lot 5.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Kern National Wildlife Refuge - Western Kingbird
A sure sign of spring at the refuge is the return of the Western Kingbird.
Kern National Wildlife Refuge - Northern Harrier
I was trying to get a shot of a Northern Harrier all day, and finally got one in the late afternoon.
Kern National Wildlife Refuge - Northern Shoveler
The Northern Shoveler is one of the most abundant ducks at the refuge. Also seen on this trip were Mallards, Cinnamon Teal, Green Winged Teal, Ruddy Ducks, Buffleheads, and Redheads.
Santa Margarita - Yellow Billed Magpie
The Magpie is quite the handsome bird, all dressed in his "tuxedo"
Carrizo Plain NM - Ferruginous Hawk
A Ferruginous Hawk does a fly by over me, looking for something to eat, perhaps.
Carrizo Plain NM - Horned Lark
You can tell where this lark gets its name....devil bird? nah. Just plain cute.
Carrizo Plain NM - Lark Sparrow
The Lark Sparrow is quite a common sight in Carrizo Plain National Monument.
Carrizo Plain NM - San Joaquin Antelope Squirrel
this guy was busy munching on a bite to eat, and didn't pay much mind to me in my car.
Soda Lake Road (Kern County side) - Western Meadowlark
my favorite songbird by far - they have the most melodic song - not to mention that they are quite the handsome bird, too
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Kern National Wildlife Refige - Cliff Swallow - 3/17/13
This Cliff Swallow was keeping an eye on me from the safety of its nest.
Kern National Wildlife Refuge - Western Kingbird - 3/17/13
I was happy to see the first Western Kingbird I have seen this year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
Grab my blinkie if you wanna
(Click on the links below to go there.)
Click the moose to sign my Guest Book
My "pet"
Visit CALM
