Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a local bird paradise! It's no surprise that it is recognized by American Bird Conservancy as an Important Bird Area. 254 species have been documented here.
Last week, we went to the preserve in hopes of seeing the Summer Tanager and other returning migrant warblers. Luck was on our side for our very first bird sighting turned out to be a brilliant, red, male Summer Tanager singing from a high branch overhead. Wow! They arrive from the south to breed in Big Morongo.
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| Western Tanager |
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| Vermilion Flycatcher |
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| Yellow-rumped Warbler |
Within walking distance of the preserve is Covington Park. Definitely, add this to the walk in the preserve. Western Tanagers and Vermilion Flycatchers are two beauties not to be missed. A water dripper hidden in a boulder makes a great place for spotting birds.
There are miles of interconnecting trails. The most popular place to bird in the preserve is the Marsh Trail. The boardwalk meanders through a riparian forest of Cottonwoods and Willows all providing fluffy cotton for nest building.
We had many great sightings of migrating warblers as well as this beautiful Blue Grosbeak.
The unique calling of a Yellow-breasted Chat caught our attention. We were in luck once again. It showed itself to us briefly before returning to its hidden home among the tall reeds.
It was a day for a new butterfly discovery - the California Patch
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| Hooded Oriole |
One of the great parts of this preserve is that there is a resident host, Dee, who has been living on the property leading bird walks for years. He has a wealth of knowledge and he is eager to share. To help support the preserve and their work, they have hats, tshirts and pins available for sale at reasonable prices. Enjoy!
Photos and content by Robin Roberts. Click on photos to enlarge.
Photos and content by Robin Roberts. Click on photos to enlarge.
