Wildlife

Photo of two Peninsular Bighorn Sheep, one of them leaping from right to left from one rock to another on a wall of Borrego Palm Canyon
Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Scampering in Borrego Palm Canyon

With little rain the desert appears dry and dismal. But today holds promise of a lush desert palm oasis, big horn sheep and other signs of life.

The effects of the November rains in Borrego Valley are beginning to show. Take a walk up Borrego Palm Canyon and see for yourself. Previously dormant brittlebush on the dry alluvial fan entering the canyon has little blue-gray leaves. A few ocotillos sprout rich green leaves above each thorn on tall elegant branches and in the wash bees hover over desert lavender blossoms. Hummingbirds feed on the slender red chuparosa flowers, and I find San Felipe dyssodia (Adenophyllum porophylloides, formerly Dyssodia porophylloides), in bloom.

About 1/3 mile before the trail reaches the palm oasis the water flows over granite boulders. I pause for a few moments listening to the rhythm of the falling water and the fluttering of leaves in the gentle breeze. A Bewick’s wren flies out from the interior of a lush brittlebush. He flicks his short tail. His white eye brow distinguishes him from other wrens seen in the canyon. A secretive black-tailed gnatcatcher with its bold white eye ring and slender black tail comes into full view within a honey mesquite.

I rest in the palm grove while listening to the sounds of nature. It’s refreshing to my mind and soul.

On my return I hear rocks falling above me. There they are! I count one, two, three, four, five, and six...six ewes up on the rocky hillside. Some are browsing on grasses and shrubs. Others lounge comfortably on boulders. One youngster engages another in what appeared to be ‘play’. I find a reasonably flat boulder and decide I’ll stay awhile.

It’s just another day in paradise.

Text and photo: Karyn Barnett