Settling In at the LTVA
I am slowly adjusting to life in the desert once again after just barely making a safe escape from winter in Bend, Oregon. As would be expected, the weather has been delightful, sunny and 60’s by day and cool temps in the 40 ‘s for perfect sleeping weather at night. The constant northerly winds do make my bird photography challenging and when it gusts up to 30 mph I just give up and retreat inside.
The Anna’s hummingbirds were here to greet me even before I got around to setting out the sugar water for them. A few Ocotillos are in bloom around the Yuma Proving Grounds and out in the desert surrounding were I am camped so I am able to grab a bloom now and then to get some nice shots of these guys feeding on their natural foods. I have to confess I have no idea what these little guys are feeding on right now as I can see nothing in bloom, other than the very few aforementioned Ocotillos.
As I recall from last year, it took a while to entice other birds in to the feeders but eventually they did show up in fairly good numbers.
So far, only a lone pair of House Finches has shown up along with …
… a few Gambel’s Quail.
And the few quail that have come in so far are extremely wary and scatter at the slightest sound or movement, and with the constant wind here, there always is something being blown around.
One very unwelcome guest is this guy, seemingly keeping a close eye on any potential meals I may attract for him, avian or small canines, in other words, Pearl. I am keeping a close eye on Pearl any time we are outside and have a short leash on her when I let her out at night so that she can’t wander more than a few feet from the door where I stand sentry.
That second Gambel’s Quail shot is like a painting coming to life.
Enjoyed the photos and glad you are settled and warm. Nanci and I fly to Rancho Mirage on Thursday. Where exactly are you? Happy New Year. Al & Nanci
Sorry you lost your other traveling companion, will miss the daily reports from the road. I am at the LTVA ( Long term visitor’s ( BLM ) area ) at Imperial Dam , technically in Winter Haven, CA, about 20 miles north of Yuma, AZ. Camped in the desert, this is not an RV Park or Resort, just what is known as ” Boondocking “, no hookups, no utilities, no designated sites, just peace and quiet. Safe travels!