BIRDING AND CAMPING TRIP IN THE BAJA MOUNTAINSOn this trip I was joined by my two good friends, Sarojam and Ron Mankau. Both are ardent birders and are also professors at UC Riverside. It was to be a quick trip, leaving noon Thursday and returning Saturday noon. The dirt road into the mountains was in good condition having just been graded. About 20 miles west of Santiago we entered the La Laguna Biosphere Reserve. Mexico is making an effort to preserve their natural areas. Another ten miles and we reached the RV sign. We turned off the main road and into Rancho Acacia. Here we were greeted by Victor Castro and his wife Sylvia. He directed us to the campsite. It was about a quarter of a mile from the main road. A well equipt site under a huge wild fig tree. The tree provided shade over the picnic tables. The vault toilet was about 50 yards away and water ran through pipes and hoses constantly. Water from local springs filled several pilas (storage tanks). Drinking water was diverted into separate hoses before the pilas. It was easy to lift the hose over your head and get a sun heated luke warm shower. The acres of tall corn provided bathing privacy, altho there wasn't a soul around. |
|
Our camp set-up. Note the huge wild fig on thee left. We measured the base at 44 feet in circumference. Truly huge. |  |
|
Sarojam climbed up in the tree so that we could get an idea of it's size. |
|
Another picture of our campsite. The little pop-up tent trailer is my home away from home whenever I go north. Very comfortable with two queen beds, sink, two burner stove, and a portipotty. It's light enough that I can push it around the campsite. |
 |
|
Here is a male Scott's Oriole. There must have been at least 50 pair of Scott's and a similar number of Hooded Orioles. All busy 'staking out' territory and building nests. In the morning we were awaken by dozens of singing Scott's. They have a beautiful song, but to hear dozens at one time is fantastic. |
|
Here is a handsome Scrub Jay. They were very common and I heard a large bunch scolding. When I followed the racket (expecting to see a hawk or owl) all I found were twenty jays in a single tree. |
 |
|
This was the guy that caused all the commotion. I think that he is a Corn Snake. Well over six foot long. I'm a little surprised that the Jays didn't attack him. |
|
Here is a little Ash-throated Flycatcher. There were three or four other Flycatchers. Cassin's, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, and Vermillion. |
 |
|
I often sit quietly on a stool waiting for birds to fly to a specific branch or twig so that I can photograph them. While focusing the camera a red blur appeared in the view-finder. I refocused and there was this dragonfly. He was hawking insects and always returned to this twig. So I took his picture. |
|
Here is the 'other' Oriole. He is the Hooded Oriole. In addition to the Scott's and Hooded we also saw the Streaked-back which is unusual, but not rare. |
 |
|
Saroj is standing in front of the fig tree. It's Saturday morning and time to fold up the tent and steal off into the desert. |
|
Bird List: 2 days casual birding, 36 specie |