Joshua Tree National Park - Bigelow Monkeyflower

JTNP_Bigelow Monkeyflower, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

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.

Joshua Tree National Park - Poppy

JTNP_Poppy, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Joshua Tree National Park - Ocotillo

JTNP_Ocotillio (1), originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Ocotillo is quite the cool looking plant.

Joshua Tree National Park - Ocotillo

JTNP_Ocotillo, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Ocotillo produces bright red blooms in the spring, and sometimes again in the fall.

Joshua Tree National Park - Great Basin Whiptail

cr_JTNP_Great Basin Whiptail, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

I saw several of these Great Basin Whiptails running around. I found this guy at the Octotillo Patch.

Joshua Tree National Park - butterfly

cr_JTNP_Butterfly, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

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

cr_JTNP_Black Throated Sparrow2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Black Throated Sparrow is found primarily in the southwest US and Mexico, in arid, desert areas.

Joshua Tree National Park - Black Throated Sparrow

cr_JTNP_Black Throated Sparrow4, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Joshua Tree National Park - Cactus Wren

cr_JTNP_Cactus Wren3, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This guy was hanging out at the Joshua Tree Visitor Center, singing loudly.

Joshua Tree National Park - Cactus Wren

cr_JTNP_Cactus Wren5, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

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!

Joshua Tree National Park - Loggerhead Shrike

cr_JTNP_Loggerhead Shrike2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Prado Regional Park - Vermillion Flycatcher

cr_PRP_Vermillion Flycatcher2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

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.

Tule Elk State Reserve - Burrowing Owl

cr_TESR_Burrowing Owl1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Peek a boo!!

Tule Elk State Reserve - Burrowing Owls

cr_TESR_Burrowing Owl2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

I just love Burrowing Owls. They are quite the characters.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge - Western Kingbird

cr_KNWR_Western Kingbird, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

A sure sign of spring at the refuge is the return of the Western Kingbird.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge - Northern Harrier

cr_KNWR_Northern Harrier1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

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 - Cinnamon Teal

cr_KNWR_Cinnamon Teal6, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge - Northern Shoveler

cr_KNWR_Northern Shoveler, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

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.

Kern National Wildlife Refuge - White Faced Ibis

cr_KNWR_White Faced Ibis2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Santa Margarita - Yellow Billed Magpie

cr_SM_Yellow Billed Magpie3, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Magpie is quite the handsome bird, all dressed in his "tuxedo"

Shell Creek Road - Greater Roadrunner

cr_SCR_Greater Roadrunner, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Meep meep!

Carrizo Plain NM - Ferruginous Hawk

cr_CPNM_Ferruginous Hawk3, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

A Ferruginous Hawk does a fly by over me, looking for something to eat, perhaps.

Carrizo Plain NM - Horned Lark

cr_CPNM_Horned Lark2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

You can tell where this lark gets its name....devil bird? nah. Just plain cute.

Carrizo Plain NM - Lark Sparrow

cr_CPNM_Lark Sparrow, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

The Lark Sparrow is quite a common sight in Carrizo Plain National Monument.

Carrizo Plain NM - San Joaquin Antelope Squirrel

cr+CPNM_San Joaquin Antelope Squirrel, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

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

cr_SLR_Western Meadowlark, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

my favorite songbird by far - they have the most melodic song - not to mention that they are quite the handsome bird, too

Tule Elk State Natural Reserve -Say's Phoebe - 3/17/13

cr_TESR_Says Phoebe3, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

Kern National Wildlife Refige - Cliff Swallow - 3/17/13

cr_KNWR_Cliff Swallow2, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

This Cliff Swallow was keeping an eye on me from the safety of its nest.

Kern National Wildlife Refige - Killdeer - 3/17/13

cr_KNWR_Killdeer1, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

I love the Killdeer's big ole bird eyes :)

Kern National Wildlife Refuge - Western Kingbird - 3/17/13

cr_KNWR_Western Kingbird5, originally uploaded by kimberzy.

I was happy to see the first Western Kingbird I have seen this year.