I heard a Cooper's Hawk scolding like crazy. It was perched and continued scolding. It suddenly dove towards a nearby tree and flushed a LONG EARED OWL! Everybody likes the garden hose pond.

The Cooper's Hawk chased the owl up towards the pool. I lost track of the owl but the Cooper's Hawk was chasing Gambel's Quail down the street afterward.

 

David Washum of Cafe C'est Si Bon explains how the new sundial operates. His  new sculpture garden will soon transform the intersection of  Routes 127 and 178

 

Many new things are happening around Shoshone Village. The Warm Springs Pool Nature Path will soon be ready,  as well as some of the paths out on Shoshone Wetlands.Some great birds seen around the pool today include, Willow Flycatcher, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Orange Crowned Warbler,Townsend's Warbler, Great Horned Owl,Cooper's Hawk,and Phainopepla.

     Today I finally met Jim Pike, who has been birding around here for many years. He's a really nice guy and he seemed to like the new little path. He was off to bird China Ranch, and the Kingston Range. He first began birding Shoshone Village years ago when the now dry catfish pond was active and known as a good place to check. One of the goals of Shoshone Village Birding Program is to transform that pond into a beautiful bird viewing pond with Photo Blinds. It is directly across the street from the Death Valley School, and we hope to inspire some of the local kids to become birders and wildlife observers. Tonight I will bird Grimshaw Lake and check nearby for Sora and Virginia Rails.

The Northern Waterthrush has taken over at the garden hose pond.. Today was the 5th day that it's been there.
This rare bird nests in the Northern Forests northern to northern Alaska and  Labrador.
Populations from British Columbia and nw. U.S. probably migrate south along the Cascades and Sierra Nevadas; in California, migrates through eastern deserts 24 Apr to 23 May and mid-Aug to early Nov.
These birds are probably headed to winter in  Baja California, Sonora, and perhaps farther south, where mangroves grow.(BNA Online species account)

A gorgeous Black Throated Gray Warbler stopped briefly yesterday evening, I wasn't quick enough to get a photo.
Hopefully it will be a repeat customer today.Also 2 Western Tanager arrived for a quick drink.

The new Warm Springs Pool Nature Path is nearing completion and it's very birdy right now. There are tons of warblers back there .It's tough to work on trails and watch birds at the same time( a good problem to have!)

COME BIRDING AT SHOSHONE WETLANDS!
Contact me by e-mail or call 760-852-4224 (office)

ANYONE INTERESTED IN PHOTOGRAPHING RAILS?

I was so excited to get up close and personal with Virginia Rails . Rails are known to be most secretive. I could hear them in there so I found a good spot to hide. It took about 20 minutes of sitting motionless  for the first ones to come out.  They flushed and were gone. I thought that would be it. But then...., well you can see. This is the best look I've ever had at them. If you would like to go "Railing" please contact me by e-mail or at 760-852-4224 at Shoshone Village office.

Prothonotary Warbler with Orange Crowned Warbler

Birding from the roof of a car can be a great way to stay on top of things!

Prothonotary Warbler

Cooper's Hawk

Wilson's Warbler

Wilson's Warbler preening

What a wonderful opportunity  it is to watch the fall migration while sitting in a cool shady spot! 6-7 species of warblers are  often seen together. The Prothonotary Warbler has now been here for 2 weeks and was seen today at Death Valley High School drinking at a puddle! A Northern Waterthrush has been at the garden hose pond for 3 straight days.

http://picasaweb.google.com/112022579614358146959/Amargosa1?feat=directlink

Goals of the Shoshone Wetlands Birding Program

Our main goal is to promote the birding and wildlife observation of Shoshone Wetlands and the surrounding areas. We are currently constructing Shoshone Wetlands Nature Trails through previously inaccessible desert riparian areas.

    

Our additional goals:  

• To offer weekend workshops featuring well-known birders, nature photographers, astronomers, geologists, herpetologists, etc.
• To inspire local kid's interest in environmental careers through field trips, a desert ecology club, and educational events with  Death Valley School District , Parhump, NV , and Las Vegas, NV School Districts.
• To offer free weekly bird walks to travelers and locals alike.
• To transform a former commercial catfish pond into a natural desert wetlands bird viewing pond including photography blinds by utilizing NANPA Foundation –Photo Blind Grant Program.
• To construct 4 other photography blinds in nearby wetlands areas utilizing NANPA Foundation –Photo Blind Grant Program.
• To form a competitive birding team that will participate in events throughout Southwestern USA.
• To offer 4x4 birding / nature field trips to remote areas otherwise inaccessible.
• To  highlight the connection between Shoshone Village Wetlands and other well known birding and wildlife areas and organizations, e.g., Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Devil's Hole, Death Valley National Park, China Ranch,  Grimshaw Lake, Red Rock Audubon Society,  Eastern Sierra Audubon Society, and Mojave National Preserve.
• To educate off-road enthusiasts and motorcyclists, with brief and friendly events emphasizing enthusiastic cooperation between often conflicting recreational interests.