Last month when I was out at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, among other warblers, I saw this Yellow-rumped Warbler. I was a little surprised to see a couple of them, as this is our "winter" warbler, and most all of them had headed north for breeding and nesting by that time. He has definitely gotten his bright breeding colors, so he may have been about ready to fly away. I appreciated his waiting for me to get his picture first! 5/22/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
Last time I was birding at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, there were many of these beautiful tanagers flying around. This is the only one that sat still long enough for a few pics. I would have liked a less "twiggy" view, but this was where he decided to perch. This is the male with the bright orange head. 5/21/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
I hiked in a couple of mountain areas today, for birding and photography. This little junco was in the Forest Falls Recreation Area, which is at about 6,000 feet elevation. Wildflowers weren't blooming yet, but the pines smelled great, and it was nice to hike around in the mountain air. 5/12/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
