Pomona Valley Audubon - Southern California Local Birding Locations! Morongo Canyon

BIG MORONGO CANYON PRESERVE - high desert raparian oasis north of Palm Springs

Want to see desert birds? This is a great day trip destination for both walkers and non-walkers, if you want to get out into the desert--- along water. Desert, riparian, and marsh habitats yield a surprising number of species.

The Nature Conservancy maintains a nice boardwalk loop thru the wet cottenwood/willow creek bottom as well as a longer (and hotter!) trail down the water course to the lower desert. The current caretakers have set up a bird feeder system under the cottonwoods right in the parking lot--- so you might just like to take your folding chairs, and picinic, and let the birds come in to you. Excellent birding in all but the hot summer when you may melt before you even get out of the car.

This oasis attracts migrants moving north from Mexico along the Salton Sea trough. It is a hot spot during migration--- both for birds and for expert (and not so expert) birders. Rarity sightings are usually called into the Raritys Hot Line. See birding.

PVAS Field Trip 2001 Sat., May 5, 2001. BIG MORONGO CANYON PRESERVE. Big Morongo is always an intresting place to bird in the spring. This oasis attracts migrants moving north from Mexico along the Salton Sea trough. Summer tanagers, yellow-breasted chats, blue grosbeaks, Bullock's oriole, Cassin's kingbird, and 4 species of hummingbirds are possible. White wing dove are sometimes seen near Covington Park along with the vermilion flycatcher, and green tailed towhee. Desert, riparian, and marsh habitats yield a surprising number of species. Meet at Memorial Park for a 6:00 a.m. departure. Bring lunch and fluids. Call leader, Dan Gregory, if you plan to attend. 909 944-2259.

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Pomona Valley Audubon Society
Southern California