Bird Walk – Big Morongo

Big Morongo Canyon is one of the 10 largest cottonwood and willow riparian habitats in CA, which is why the preserve is one of the best places in southern California for migrant flycatchers, warblers, vireos, and other species, but it also hosts some great breeding birds. Among other species, we can expect to see (or hear) Summer and Western Tanager, Brown-crested and Vermilion Flycatcher, Bullock’s and Hooded Oriole, Yellow-Breasted Chat, Bell’s and other Vireos, as well as migrants and desert residents, such as Costa’s and Black-Chinned Hummingbird, Verdin, Gambel’s Quail, Ladder-Backed Woodpecker. In the afternoon we may look for Black-throated Sparrow and Scott’s Oriole at Blackrock Campground.

Bring lunch, snacks, plenty of water, and layered clothing. This will be a joint trip with a small group of friendly birders from Sea and Sage Audubon in Orange County. Meet at 8:00 am at Covington Park. Take I-10 to Hwy 62, go north 10 miles to Morongo Valley and then turn right on Park Avenue. Trip Leader: Pete Robertshaw (909-771-9720)