Adventures in Southern California

Palm Canyon Campground

 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Monday afternoon we said good-by to Arizona, crossed the Colorado River into California and began a bit of a post-volunteer adventure before heading back to Oregon.  A big factor is the weather, so we are in effect killing some more time in the sunny South-West before attempting the mountain passes.  Our first night's stop was at Lake Tamarisk Desert Resort, a pleasant repeat from last year. It was thirty-five dollars for full hook up.  Strange to hook up to electricity, our first time since December. (Solar is great) On Tuesday we ventured on to the greater Palm Springs area checking out some birding spots before meeting friends Kerry and Debbie Kliever for a night, parking at the Augustine Casino. Birding spots in the Palm Springs area proved to be pretty much a flop.  Most eBird Hot Spots do not allow dogs or are at private clubs and golf courses. A brief look at the eBird Hot Spot map made the area look like a gold mine, but after checking closer, we were ready to move on.  The Augustine Casino however was a winner for both parking and meals. This morning we traveled on to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the town of Borrego Springs. We stopped at the Christmas Circle and made up a bird list as we strolled accross the green lawn.  Next was a list at the Botanical Gardens, followed by lunch in the Serenity before moving on to the Palm Canyon Campground where we are camped next to our friends Dan and Elaine Scott in a dry camping site for twenty-three dollars.  We made another bird list for the campground and then took a nice walk to the Visitor's Center and another list.  No dogs are allowed on the hiking trails, but the nice 3/4 mile paved path between the campground and the Visitor's Center is OK dogs and bicycles and made for a good walk. Buster watched for lizards while we watched for birds. Below are some of the birds I managed to photograph in town and in the park.

Northern Mockingbird

Verdin

Western Bluebird