Hiking in Indian Canyons

Within a short distance of Palm Springs, one can explore Indian Canyons which is the home to ancestors of the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Indians.

The best way to be introduced to this special place is to go on a Tribal Ranger led hike. As we hiked through Andreas Canyon, our leader pointed out various plants and their various uses. The Honey Mesquite tree was a very useful food source for the Indians.

The morteros in the rock were used for grinding the nuts and seeds. It is a  reminder of the constant hard work that the women played in providing food for their family.

 This reconstructed Kish is a traditional winter home made out of palm fronds and flexible branches from the Desert Willow trees.

The Ramada is an example of a summer home which would be much cooler in the blistering 120degree  desert afternoons.

Along the way, we saw a blooming Hedgehog Cactus...

as well as this Barrel Cactus.  Contrary to common belief, the water found in this cactus would make you sick if you decided to drink it!!

The California Fan Palm Oasis here in Palm Canyon is the largest one in the world. These palm trees drink about 40 gallons of water a day. Quite a lot of water especially in the desert where water is scarce.  Indian Canyons is definitely a place I'd recommend to go exploring!

Searching for Birds at Lake Hemet

 With each beautiful, sunny Springlike day, one more snowstorm before Winter ends seems unlikely.

 

 With the early arrival of Spring, I wonder how much longer the birds who are wintering at Lake Hemet will stick around.  On a recent hike, I discovered some of them are still hanging around.

The White Pelicans can be seen in a tight flock together. Being from the East coast, I still am amazed by these beautiful birds. The Brown Pelicans dominate the Eastern shores.

Yesterday, I saw 10 Gadwalls. A way to remember them is that they look like someone dipped their bottoms in black ink! Like many waterfowl, they will be heading north to breed soon.

A couple of Northern Shovelers were also hanging out at the lake today.

I took a photo of this Lesser Scaup at a different lake. He could have been at Lake Hemet but he wasn't the day I was looking. I included his photo since he is such a fine looking bird!

Mallard Ducks are so colorful. He is a resident at Lake Hemet so he won't be leaving like the other ducks.

One way to support habitat for ducks and other creatures is to buy a Duck Stamp from the post office each year. The money raised is used to purchase or lease wetland habitat within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Each year there is an art competition for the next duck stamp.

The woods around the lake are pretty quiet now. Breeding hasn't begun. I did manage to spot this elusive California Thrasher before it dashed back into the thick cover of Manzanita bushes.

A few birds can always be seen like this Scrub Jay....

 a nice plump American Robin....

and the Western Bluebird.

However, the Ground Squirrels with their hideout holes and tunnels can be seen lounging in the sun everywhere!

"There are some who can live without wild things and some who cannot. Like winds and sunset, wild things were taken for granted until progress began to do away with them." Aldo Leopold, Naturalist

Fantastic Sightings in the Desert

It's always great to spend time at Anza Borrego Desert State Park (well, maybe not the Summer). However, sometimes, it's extraordinary! Sightings in Nature cannot be staged so when you get a glimpse of something special, it's not to be taken for granted. This entry is about some of those unexpected, fantastic sightings.

 Spring migration of Swainson's Hawks is occurring now. Volunteers are on this mound every morning from Feb - April to count these birds of prey. The total average amount is 7-8,000 per season.

The hawks arrive in the desert valley at night to roost, usually in a date farm near this grape farmer sculpture.

The next morning as the breeze and thermals pick up, the hawks catch the wind and continue their journey northward to Canada.

Some days only a handful show up. On this day, we were lucky. Two hundred of these beautiful birds flew directly over our heads. I was torn between helping with the count and taking photos. Neither was too successful because I was divided. It was amazing! You can follow the migration daily at borregohawkwatch.blogspot.com

 Recent rain brought much needed water to the desert. The last time I hiked on this trail, the creek from the oasis was mostly dried up. Today there was flowing water.

 Camouflaged against a boulder near the oasis, we discovered this California Treefrog. Imagine trying to survive in a desert oasis as this little guy is doing.

Hiking through an area with Indigo plants, I saw a couple of hungry long eared Jack Rabbits.

 

By far, the highlight of this day was the arrival of the Bighorn Sheep. They came down to the flowing water to eat and drink when we had given up hope that we would see them. Then we had the biggest surprise.....

Looking down from a rocky ledge high on the cliff were 6 lambs. Wow! It was truly a gift to see them!!
Tread lightly and keep your eyes and ears open. Inspirational moments occur when you least expect them.