Recently, I attended a Bird Workshop at Joshua Tree through the Desert Institute. Most people unfamiliar with these deserts assume there is not much wildlife but they are mistaken.
Spring migration was going on. Some of the birds arrived to nest in the desert; others such as this Western Tanager were just passing through on the way north.
Other birds such as this shiny black Phainopepla nest in the desert and when it gets too hot, they move up to the coastal mountains and nest there as well.
They love mistletoe berries when they are available. This huge "poop" pile is evidence of their diet. When the berries are no longer present, they switch to insects.
The Cactus Wren are residents of the desert. They commonly nest in the spine filled Cholla Cactus which provides plenty of protection from predators.
Our final destination of the weekend was Cottonwood Springs near the southern end of the park. Besides some great birds seen along the way, lizards were in abundance.
The Chuckwalla Lizard is one of the largest desert lizards. This was the first time I got to see this awesome lizard in the wild.
When I return to the desert later this summer, the blooms of the Claret Cup cactus and others will probably be gone. Spring is a unique time to see wildlife and flowers of the desert. I'm glad I didn't miss it!
