Monday, November 21, 2011

Fall Colors at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and Covington Park

The view of the marsh

Fall colors of the reeds

A golden sweep of color

The overlook of Covington Park and the Preserve
Last Saturday we went birding at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve and had a great time. We walked over to Covington Park first to see what activity there was and saw some Western Blue Birds, a Sharp Shinned Hawk, a couple of Kestrels doing, what looked to be, some sort of mating dance in the air, Ruby Kinglets, White Crowned Sparrows, you name it, we saw it. It's always fun to go with the groups on either Saturday or Wednesday mornings at eight, mainly because you just see more birds. There's always a couple of folks who bring scopes, so you can see the birds up close, which is always a treat. While we were walking, I noticed the fall colors starting to unfold in the Cottonwoods in the area and got some nice shots, which I've included here. This area is such a great place to go, because it's the only place you get that 'Eastern' sense of fall here in the desert. We took a walk through the marsh area as well and enjoyed the fall colors amongst the reeds. All in all, a wonderfully relaxing walk and a great way to start the day. After birding, everyone heads over to the Morongo Cafe for their classic, home cooked breakfast. Don't miss it while you're here!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Wonderland Ranch Walk

We thought we would meander in the wash behind Wonderland Ranch the other afternoon and what a nice walk it was. All dressed in pink, the ranch was one of the many homesteads in the park. Some folks say it was even a health food store at some point. It's midway between Bill Keys place and the Wall Street Mill where Will Bagley took a shot at Bill Keys and paid for it. Those were exciting times.

Wonderland Ranch
Our lunch spot view of the rocks
View of the canyon
One of the cattle tanks to capture water
Margie entranced with the view
Fall colors