Some Desert birding in the Mojave...

Today's route

Straight from our Hotel 6, a brief Denny's breakfast and then to Jawbone Canyon for some early morning birding this morning. We were here for two main [birds] reasons; Bell Sparrow and Le Conte's Thrasher. Both birds, I'm happy to say were seen well and both, evidently have bred or are about to.

wash at Jawbone Canyon

juvenile Bell Sparrow - lifer!

Bell Sparrow adult - pic a bit dodgy.....

Le Conte's Thrasher nest site

Le Conte's Thrasher - lifer!

Le Conte's Thrasher - lifer!

nearby Lizard

Next we visited the nearby town of California City; specifically the central park there and saw quite a few migrant warblers; specifically Wilsons and Yellow rumped. Quite a few common species as well.

gum tree Turkey Vulture

After lunch we went for a nice afternoon stroll at a mini resort named Silver Saddles. This place, surrounded by the Mojave Desert is a little oasis and pretty bloody birdy. Saw quite a few nice things before calling an early day and driving to our digs in Bakersfield.

migrating Empid...

Ruby crowned Kinglet

resident Acorn Woodpecker

Belted Kingfisher

Migrant waders included Wilson's Snipe

and this Solitary Sandpiper

Great Horned Owl

Great Horned Owl