AV04/28 Big Morongo Canyon Preserve 18th August 2004

Eight birders including Sharon, new from Redondo Beach, had a fine morning in comparatively cool weather. We found 38 species including Lazuli Bunting, Ash Throated and Willow Flycatchers, a Kestrel and a pair of Warbling Vireos. The Vermillion were noteworthy for looking rather ragged, and the colouring is moving more towards Salmon than Vermillion. We also found a Summer Tanager, after thinking that perhaps they had left us, and a four-point buck in velvet!

All in all a rich haul and well worth our early start.

We continue the Wednesday walks at 7am, and have booked Big Bear for Monday 30th August, leaving Big Morongo at 7.30am, but more later.

Thanks to Tom for rejuvenating my machine and making this report possible.

Good Birding...........bb


Barry Parkes
bbparkes@ix.netcom.com