Liz, Pam, and I went camping in Anza Borrego State Park for a night this week. This park gets more views of migrating Swainson's Hawks than any other location in the States. They have a PM hawkwatch to count the birds coming in and an AM hawkwatch to count the birds as they ride the thermals, form kettles, and continue on with the largest migration of any raptor. Some mornings this week, around 500 hawks have been observed. We joined an AM watch when the hawks were between waves, but I was still happy to see about a dozen Swainson's Hawks (237), including two good looks.
Other desert species include Verdins (238), White-Winged Doves (239), a Black-Tailed Gnatcatcher (240), and one Bighorn Sheep. But my favorite bird sighting was the White-Throated Swift (241) that ripped through the air right over our heads when we were near a lookout. The bird was traveling fast: maybe 60-80mph?
I also got my butt kicked by what I took to be my first migrating warblers of the year. I have been getting comfortable with Winter residents, but I need to sharpen up on migratory passerines for Spring.
Kevin you are hitting some good habitat and getting some key species. Al all star performance from the left coast.We are on the home stretch getting those key micro climates and unique habitats.
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