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 .
Western Bluebirds abounded in the cottonwoods of Covington Park across from Big Morongo Preserve. Here's a brightly-colored male...
While a female does some foraging of her own.
A breeding adult Western Tanager...
And this and the next 2 photos are of a Summer Tanager. I'd seen one at the Preserve's marsh trail the day before but it was in the shade and up in the trees, so I was glad to get these in better light where its red is brilliant against the light background.
Covington Park is also home to Vermillion Flycatchers, and again I was lucky to catch them in the sun...
And here's a Vermillion Flycatcher female scouting about not too far from the male.
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