In April 2020, as I was ending my first Texas birding adventure, I called my friend Jerry in Albuquerque and told him I was headed his way via Roswell. He suggested I visit the Bitter Lake NWR, and I’m so glad he did. Cassin’s Sparrows and Scaled Quail were the highlights for me on that … Read more
Before I left Albuquerque for points south, I stacked up several days’ worth of images from my last few photo safaris. In most cases, I’d have boondock camped and worked on the blogs to share my images and stories. Here in mid-winter central New Mexico, I felt like settling into a nearby RV Park. For … Read more
There is a broad grassy valley running west from the Ramona Airport through Highland Valley. The County of San Diego has seen fit to make a preserve of the land to protect threatened species such as Burrowing Owls and the Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat. Much of the preserve is out-of-bounds for public access. But near the … Read more
After spending the week with my family in Medford, I drove away on Friday, southbound on the I-5. My first stop was in Marysville California to visit a friend I knew from my previous life (before retirement). Gary had since retired too, and he and his wife moved back here two years ago, where they … Read more
Driving to see my family in Oregon, I took a little timeout to visit the reserves between Williams and Willows California (USA). The long interstate drive wore me down, especially the southern portion. I tried avoiding LA by skirting via the I-15 and Cajon Pass and crossing the high desert through Palmdale, but the plan backfired … Read more
No trip to the Salton Sea is complete without paying a visit to Unit #1 of the Sonny Bono NWR at Vendel Road. In winter, it is an exceptional birding destination. Snow Geese and Sandhill Crane numbers are at their peak. Fifteen years ago my visits here might turn up the occasional two or four … Read more
Just inland from where I live in Poway California, and 900 feet higher in elevation, sits the community of Ramona California. This high valley historically has been an agricultural area, but like everywhere else in southern California, the pressure by humanity to build more housing is turning it into a bedroom community. Fortunately, there are … Read more
(as far north as I could go) I drove all day Friday. It was the longest day single day of driving for this entire trip (368 miles). I left early from my camp at Gray Lodge, had breakfast in Yuba City, then drove Highway 99 to Fresno where I got off on the 41. Further … Read more
I’ve not been able to keep up with my reports from this trip due to the hectic pace I’ve had to keep this past week. I plan to get caught up in the next few days. I first visited Bicknell Bottoms in the Spring of 2015. I so enjoyed the time I spent in the … Read more
Yesterday’s visit at this place was just not enough to take it all in, so I opted to stay another day. My drive took me nearly completely around the valley and I was able to get a better idea of what treasures might be possible here. I’m sure the seasons influence what visitors might be found. … Read more
