Snow in the Mountains

 

Snow in the mountains? Let me tell you about the week of snowstorms outside my Oak tree!

Me and my mate have been having a tough time climbing our tree. It's never been any trouble in the past. What's with all this snow? We certainly have fine warm coats and tails but we are slipping and sliding a lot these days! I've been eyeing the two-legged creature who throws me peanuts when she shows up. I try to get to these yummy treats before the noisy critters that fly in the air but they usually beat me. I'm determined though to get faster. If only I could fly!

The squirrel is right! It has been an exceptional week of snow. In our own yard, I've measured over three feet of snow. We are on the sunny side of town so I'm sure there has been much more especially in "Snow Cove" aka Pine Cove.

With lots of snow and little driving, most of my views are from my own window.

Personally, I love to shovel. I must say that three feet of snow is too much for me! Thankfully, we found Oscar and his "bobcat" to clear our long, steep driveway! Cheers to Oscar!

Our neighbor, Joel and his dog Asher know how to enjoy the snow! Asher absolutely LOVES the snow. In fact, he drags Joel along so that he has to run to keep up with him. Joel had a grand idea to see if he would drag him on a sleigh....Maybe, next time will be a success! ha

The snow is magnificent! Although it makes life difficult for us, it is just what our land needs right now! I can't wait to see the mountains in the morning light. If you come to our snowy mountain, pack warm clothes, snacks, water and leave the mountains filled with beauty!

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Photos and content by Robin Roberts.

Finding Waldo (a.k.a. Garganey)

 

Try to find the "true Waldo" on this page. He's the one missing a shoe. If you find him, congratulations! I was not successful. If so, you are quite capable of finding a rare look-alike bird in a crowd of hundreds.

Now, try to find the Bonaparte's Gull that is different. Find it? There might be a different one in there but this game was actually to give you the idea of what it is like searching for a nearly identical bird in a huge group. Not easy, right?

We arrived at the Salton Sea for the second time in a month with high hopes of finding a rare Alaskan female Garganey duck. The challenge was to pick her out from the hundreds of Blue-winged teals that she chose to hang out with this winter. Ducks are either in constant motion foraging or resting with their heads tucked in. Checking out the subtle differences in the facial pattern of a Garganey vs a Blue-winged teal was not going to be easy. Luck was on our side the second time around. We found her briefly as she frantically foraged with her wintering buddies but no luck on a photo for me.

It's not always so hard finding a rare bird. In fact, it is quite easy if you find the birders first - The ones with their eyes glued behind their scopes or their binoculars intensely searching for the rare bird.

That is exactly how we found the Purple Sandpiper. This bird is normally found on the east coast of Canada or Greenland in the winter. How in the world did it find the desert Salton Sea?

Two "life birds" in one day. Not bad! In fact, it is quite excellent! For the uninitiated, a "life bird" is a new bird that you have never seen.

Besides two new birds to my list, I actually got a photo of a posing Jack Rabbit. That's a first as well. For many more reasons than my little success, January is off to a great start!

I hope you are enjoying the hope of a bright new year!

Photos and content by Robin Roberts.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Bonita Wildfire

 

In nearby Mountain Center, a wildfire began off of Bonita Vista Road near Apple Canyon Road at shortly after 1am. The nighttime Santa Ana winds added energy to the growing fire. Residents in Mountain Center were evacuated before daybreak. The latest report states that the fire consumed 600 acres and it is 5% contained. Compared to the news videos taken in the night, the fire seems to be getting under control from this view.

I saw helicopters continually dropping water over various hotspots in the burn zone.

These photos were taken at 10:45am on January 15th. I'm cautiously optimistic that they are making progress in getting the fire under control. 

Click on photos to enlarge.

Content and photos by Robin Roberts.

Chasing Birds in the Desert

 As much as we love snow, it's really nice to escape the ice and cold for some warm weather, occasionally. Since the desert is a nearby escape, it also gives us a chance to search for some birds that prefer to spend the winter where it is warmer. So off we went for a quick trip to Anza-Borrego State Park.

One of the symbols of the desert that lures me in his direction whenever I hear him calling is the Cactus Wren. For me, a trip to the desert is never complete without seeing and hearing this wren that is not intimidated by prickly cactus and other plants with impressive spines.

I love to be dazzled by Anna's Hummingbirds in the mountains but when I'm in the desert, it's all about finding the gorgeous purple flashing Costa's Hummer.

Quick, name an iconic desert bird!!! Easy, right? Everyone can name at least the most famous desert bird thanks to Looney-tunes!

If you live in the desert, you will see this icon regularly but if you live in the mountains or somewhere else far away, you will want to stop the car immediately to try to see this bird in action. When I spotted it off the side of the road, we stopped and I jumped out in hopes of getting a photo. I slowly stalked it at a distance so as not to send it on the run.

Getting a photo doesn't capture their behavior so enjoy the short little video.

Just like us, water attracts birds. Find the water and you will discover some birds. Golf courses with ponds are magnets for desert travelers. A couple stood out for me on this trip.

The Green Heron on the edge of this pond was intent on fishing. They are known for placing "bait" on the surface of the water to attract fish. Pretty smart birds!

The other bird that was quite fun to watch was the Hooded Merganser especially when he opened his dashing, white bushy crest.

The desert is full of fascinating discoveries! History through geological changes and formations, fossils, flowers, insects, desert mammals and stargazing are just a few of the fun things to keep you busy exploring and learning.

Anza-Borrego Natural History Association is a great place to support! They offer monthly presentations on a wide variety of topics as well as lead desert hiking trips. Of course, everything is altered right now due to the pandemic. Check out their website for webinars that are still being offered. http://www.abdnha.org

Remember, there are lots of places to explore without running into people but wear your mask and keep your distance when you encounter people on the trail or when you are in Borrego Springs. Respecting one another's health is the right thing to do even in the desert.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Photos and content by Robin Roberts.