NWR

SW USA

The Winter has been very cold for us this year. Medical procedures have kept us in North America. While grateful for the opportunity for treatment, we haven't been able to flee to Mexico as planned. However, we have had excellent birding in a variety of places. First trip was to Lees Ferry and the California Condors up close at Navajo Bridge. In Cabeza Prieta NWR we saw a pair of Great Horned Owls at play in a flaming sunset on top of saguaro cactus. On to Buenos Aries NWR and a walk up Brown Canyon. Enjoyed Burro Creek, Arizona although we did not see the javalina as in years past. Then a longer trip down to Southern California and refuges along the lower Colorado river. Cebola NWR just below Blythe barely inside Arizona was incredible with thousands of Sand Hill cranes, Snow Geese, Tundra Swan, The greater White Fronted Goose, Pin tails, Wigeon, and Burrowing owls just to name a few. That place was so good we went back after swinging through Imperial and Kofa NWR. We circumnavigated the Salton Sea and got warm sampling a few hot springs like 5 Palms, Fountain of Youth and the Hoytville Hot Tubs. Southern Nevada has some beautiful NWR areas such as Moapa Valley Springs, Desert and Ash Meadows. All have saved endangered fish like the Dace and Pup fish. Got on down to Lytle Ranch hearing owls lull us to sleep. Red Cliffs of St. George and Red Rock of Las Vegas Audubon bird groups have taught us more about the desert birds. Tule Springs just north of Vegas still has a few Burrowing Owls living in its natural habitat but not for long. Vegas is expanding in an insane rate. While not taking flights to distant lands, we have had quality time with family. Christmas was especially nice just hanging out on a day of blustery snow with my 95 year old Mother. R.I.P. Mary Kelly McCormack Cotterall February 28, 2020. We hope to end our land travels this year at Bruneau, Idaho at Jims hot spring before the work begins on getting the boat ready for yet another season.