One of the prime bird spots in Southern California, over 246 species have been found here, mostly during migration. I visited Big Morongo in April, May, July, August, October 2008 and February 2009 ; these photos are from those 6 trips. For more info and maps check out the webpage maintained by Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve http://www.bigmorongo.org/index.htm .
There were also quite a few Phainopepla in the canyon itself, including this female.
Warblers were flitting about along the Marsh Trail, including this black-capped Wilson's.
Also along Marsh Trail was this Nuttall's Woodpecker, more commonly seen at higher elevations but finding plenty of trees here in the desert to investigate.
The buzz of Spotted Towhees accompanied my walks through the marsh...
The Red-tail residents were closely watched by the smaller birds, including what looks to be a Kingbird. One bird-watcher said he heard and saw what he thought to be a Tropical Kingbird, which would have been quite rare for here. But one of the pleasures of visiting Big Morongo during migration is knowing that anything is possible...
I spotted this Hooded Oriole on the "Bee Tree" near the entrance just as I was heading out after a full day at the Preserve.
I saw this Yellow-Breasted Chat the day before but this is an even better, unobscured view of it. They're supposed to be secretive and hidden but this fellow was singing his heart out for all to see. He's on a snag charred by the 2005 fire.
Now I believe this to be a Brown-Crested Flycatcher...
A female Anna's hummingbird was building a nest on a branch right next to the Marsh Trail boardwalk. She would collect spiderweb material and bring it back then shape the nest with her body. Fascinating to watch!
A baby Robin...
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