Borrego Springs and the Salton Sea

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A trip to the desert regions of California's southeast produced wonderful birds and great memories.

A Say's Phoebe takes flight nearby while the Borrego Springs Hawkwatchers keep an eye out for eagerly anticipated Swainson's Hawks.

The road to Borrego Springs takes you past the lovely Plum Canyon. It is worth a visit even after the wildflower bloom has passed its peak. Things were still vibrant and the landscape was full of wonderful spaces to explore.

A Say's Phoebe gathers materials for its nest.

Another fruitful expedition.

The first Hawk I saw happened to be hanging inside of the Visitor Center. Outside, birds were actively nesting and provided us with great looks.

One of the visitor center birds was this handsome Costa's Hummingbird. Notice the lovely long gorget extending much further than that of an Anna's Hummingbird. Interestingly, the wings and tail are even in length on a perched Costa's... while the wings on an Anna's fall short of the tail tip.

A verdin diligently works on lining a nearby nest..

Working hard to get the nest ready while her mate sings beautifully from the treetops.

While birding Cattle Call Park in Brawley, CA, we were visited by a boisterous Cactus Wren, a first for me.

Borrego Springs Hawkwatchers stay vigilant.

One of only fifteen Swainson's Hawks we saw while waiting for the evening fly-in. They are overdue and I'm sure the volunteers are seeing them in much greater numbers as I write this.

A beautiful tiny scene in Plum Canyon.

Yet another of Plum Canyon's gems.

A Mockingbird sings sweetly in early morning light.

A Yellow-headed Blackbird keeps an eye on things from within the safety of tall grasses.

Luckily the Blackbirds also came out to take a look.

Cattle Egrets make due without a cow.

Who is watching whom. Burrowing Owls stay alert.

Click the photo to see the details.

A Tree Swallow zips past near the Salton Sea.

A Great Blue Heron comes in for a landing on a snag out in the sea.

Breeding colors do wonders for these birds.

A view of the stark landscape.

Tucked safely into a palm, this Barn Owl roosts at the visitor center beside the Salton Sea.

A Road Runner running on a road.

Overflights by Avocets are so nice.

Up and away. A Burrowing Owl takes off.

A Tree Swallow feeling territorial voices its displeasure.

Tensions rise.

An aerial skirmish ensues.

Tiny but brimming with attitude.

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