BMB05/02 Big Morongo Canyon Preserve 12th January 2005

Seventeen Big Morongo Birders gathered on a fine, sunny and calm morning with a temperature of 29°. This was a welcome break after five days of rain – and fog to boot – which brought the Preserve more than six inches of rain and damaged the entrance to the driveway. There was surprisingly little laying water and we had a very pleasant walk seeing 37 species. The Harris' Sparrow appears to have left us.

We are fortunate to have persuaded Kay and Jane to undertake a reconnaissance of the Salton Sea tomorrow, which will be of great help on our Friday visit there (actually they were going anyway). In view of the recent rains, we may well be unable to visit some of our usual haunts but still expect to have a full and satisfying day.

Friday 14th January Salton Sea. Meet for carpool at Big Morongo 7am, T/A Truck Stop (Burns Bros) at Dillon & I10 in Coachella at 7.30am. Bring water and lunch.

Friday 21st January San Jacinto Wildlife Area. Meet for carpool at Big Morongo 7am or Denny's Palm Springs at Indian and I10 at 7.30am. Bring water and lunch.

Monday 31st January Pipe’s Canyon. Meet at Big Morongo for carpool at 7.30am, or 8am at the trailhead. We will be finished before lunch but bring water. There may well be more water than we have become accustomed to.

As always, queries or suggestions are welcome. Email or call me at 760-328-6750, cell phone 760-333-2366.