BMB05/15 Big Morongo Canyon Preserve update 18th April 2005

It's all happening at the Preserve and Spring Migration is on a roll. Saturday eight BMBs had a fine walk, led by Jane Olson and Sandy Swan, and saw 42 species.

Migration is beginning to bite and we saw several more or less new arrivals, including Ash-throated Flycatcher, Cassin's and Western Kingbirds, a flock of Cedar Waxwings, Orange-crowned-, Yellow-, Black-throated Grey-, and Townsend's Warblers, Western Tanager,and Black-headed and Blue Grosbeaks. We found a Lesser Goldfinch sitting, and a Lawrence's building. The Vermillion Flycatchers are very much in evidence and the Western Bluebirds still around. We heard the Yellow-breasted Chat and have had several reports of sightings. It's a good time to visit the Preserve but please remember to park as tightly as you can - the parking lot soon fills.

Dee and Mike return today from a weekend around Bishop and Lone Pine chasing Grouse with Gene Cardiff.

MrsM is doing fine, walking with no sticks. Phyllis took her wildflower watching Saturday.

On the Wednesday walk we introduced Emily Glazebrook as a Beginning Birder and she returned to London the following day.

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

Barry Parkes
bbparkes@ix.netcom.com
bigmorongobirders@earthlink.com