Usually I have to go up into the mountains to see this high elevation bird, but this year there have been a few of them overwintering at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, which is a desert environment. (Maybe because of the excessive snow?) When I was there the other day I saw about 6 or 7 of them, including both males and females. This clearly is a male, and a very pretty one indeed! 3/9/23 www.sparhawkphotography.com
I went out to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve on Monday. After hiking some of the trails, I sat down by the feeders at the Education Center. The birds coming to the feeders were mostly sparrows, doves and jays. Suddenly this Cedar Waxwing surprised me by flying in only a few feet from me, to the big bowl of water. He took a drink or two, hopped around, and then flew off, not to be seen again! 3/8/23 www.sparhawkphotography.com
This Common Gallinule was photographed at San Jacinto Wildlife Area recently. Although related to the American Coots that are so common here, this species is much less likely occur, and tends to be much more reclusive. When this one saw me coming down the path, it high-tailed into the undergrowth. 3/7/23 www.sparhawkphotography.com
