Searching for Bighorn Sheep in a Blooming Desert

For those who think the desert is a barren place devoid of life, you need to take a closer look. Spring is the best time to see the desert transform into a land of color and inspiration!

We just returned from spending a couple of days at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Our trip included hiking the intimidating sounding Hellshole Canyon Trail. I'm sure in the heat of the summer, it would live up to its name but for us, it was full of beautiful wildflowers and cacti in bloom.

Our number one goal on this trip was to see a Bighorn sheep. My husband has never seen one in the wild so with hopeful hearts, we headed on the popular Palm Canyon trail where Bighorn sheep are known to live. Our days began with birds, lizards and Jack Rabbits.

The White-winged Dove with its great Barred Owl impersonation and fancy blue eyeliner was pretty easy to spot.

One of my favorite desert birds, the Cactus Wren, was also pretty easy to spot once it started its singing like a space lazer gun.

We even spotted a male Phainopepla taking his turn on the nest on our trail hike. Unfortunately, everyone we passed on our trail had not seen the Bighorn sheep. Our hopes of seeing one was diminishing.

We saw lots of pretty cool looking Whiptail Lizards on our return hike.We informally renamed the trail in honor of them.  Despite not seeing the impressive Bighorn, we were having a great hike.

Unexpectedly, as we were on our last mile back to the parking lot,we spotted a majestic ram standing prominently on an outcropping above our trail. Wow! It was a spectacular moment for us all!!

Moments like the ones we experienced on the trail are cherished ones. I'm so grateful for those who had the foresight and passion to protect undeveloped land for the wildlife that reside there and to give the rest of us a chance to catch a glimpse of them in their native surroundings.

Chasing A Checkerspot

Thanks once again to the generosity of friends showing us new places, we were introduced to a new place to hike. This trail hugs a canyon until it descends to the South Fork creek flowing at the bottom.

Although the sound of water flowing at the bottom of the canyon was quite inviting, I never made it that far.

Once again, the unexpected surprise occurred. This time it wasn't a gnome in a tree. Instead, it was the sighting of a new butterfly. This beautifully patterned butterfly is the Variable Checkerspot, Euphydryas chalcedona. 

It looks quite similar to the endangered Quino Checkerspot butterfly, Euphydryas editha quino, but there are subtle differences between the two of them. Just like in bird identification, the details are important.

I love this pose! Notice the fine hairs on its body. I doubt I'll ever be able to "capture" this view again.

Quirky and Fun Sights on a Winter Day

 Part of the joy in being outdoors is the discovery of unexpected surprises.

For me, I'm always on the lookout for bird sightings, beautiful landscapes, cool looking lizards, snakes, butterflies, dragonflies and furry mammals. Today was different. I found my first tree perched gnome!

I also found a uniquely painted mailbox in a town where mail is not delivered to your home...

 a troika miles away from Russia...

and an ad for Garrison Keillor's yummy Powder Milk Biscuits far from Minnesota.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TV_ypjxEB8

The Springlike weather was replaced by winter. With the snow came a few feathered surprises.

A flock of Cassin's Finches intermingled with House Finches showed up at our feeders. They're usually seen up in the higher elevations and much harder to see. I've never had them at my backyard feeders!

A day of unexpected surprises is a great day, indeed!

A Trail Out West

Hiking a newly discovered trail is exciting! Although you know the distance and elevation gain, there are still lots of surprises ahead!

Out west, it's not uncommon to discover your trail passes through cattle country. How do you know? Closed gates that creak when you open them and cow patties are undeniable clues.

Where ever I go, binoculars and a camera are around my neck. You never know what you may encounter. Early one morning on Cedar Springs trail, a California Towee perched high on a bush and sang it's simple song. Since I have never seen it sing, it was pretty exciting. I also heard a pair of  Western Meadowlarks singing flute- like songs back and forth across a meadow. This bird has captivated me ever since we arrived here!

The 2 1/2 mile hike up Cedar Springs to the PCT was full of Yuccas that had bloomed previously. They towered along the slopes next to fresh green Yuccas and Prickly Pear Cactus yet to bloom.

I wish I had a geologist on trails like this one to learn more about the rocks full of varying colors and sparkles.

When the trail intersects with the PCT, the views are spectacular! This section of the PCT is along the Desert Divide. The Salton Sea and Coachella Valley are seen on the eastern side while the San Jacinto Mountains can be seen to the north.

Future PCT hikers, enjoy!

Thanks Rick for sharing some of your photos!