“Where the heck are we?” was the sentiment expressed a few times during our visit. Not out of a sense of being lost but rather disbelief that a place so remote and with such a sense of the wild west could be in the realm of California’s great Central Valley. We have spent spring break in Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Anza-Borrego, and the Mojave. This is none of those places yet it hints at some of them with Soda Lake, parched hills, wide open spaces, and lots of wildlife.
Over four days and three nights we observed 20 species of birds from our campsite area and 6 other species while exploring the plain and Caliente Mountains. A highlight was a Great-horned Owl nest right in camp. We had great views of the female with an occasional chick sighting as it would pop its white fuzz ball head up next to Mom. On the last evening some other campers had a bright flashlight aimed as the owls began to stir. I was able to observe the male fly into the nest tree and then back out moments later. Throughout the nights they would hoot for periods of time. One image below is of the spectrogram I took at about 5:30 one morning. Carrizo Plain National Monument is home to more threatened and endangered vertebrate species than any where else in California. As the website says, “Carrizo Plain National Monument is one of the best kept secrets in California.”
And of course, the El Nino winter drew me back, after having been for one night two years ago, to look for wildflowers. The wonderful Theodore Payne Wildflower Hotline was correct when they urged visitors to get out of the car. From the road it may seem that some blooms are fading but spend a few days exploring the various biomes and you will find awe inspiring moments. California Jewel Flower, Recurved Larkspur, Desert Blazing Star, Goldfields forever, peas, mustards, lupines, Phaceilias, and so on… We oohed and awed all over the place.
Finally, the history of this place intrigued kids and adults alike. Ranching in these remote western enclaves was undertaken back when folks pioneered with their imagination and hope. And when there was more water than these days. We made some of our own memories too. I am thankful that my dear friends said yes when I invited them to come explore. These times with our children fill us with recollections of when we were carefree, full of imagination and wonder. Corva turned 6 on this trip. We love her. We love each other. We are thankful for Carrizo Plain and these lasting memories.
A special shout out to Jen, Brian and Evan who called us before we headed out to the Carrizo Plain. Having just spent Easter weekend there they wanted us to know how awesome it was, and we are glad they steered us towards “Casey Owl” campground (KCL Campground). We loved it.
Our Bird List (The first 20 species were observed in and around KCL Campground 29 March- 1 April. The last 6 were observed while we were out at Traver Ranch, Soda Lake and in the Caliente Mountains.):
- Western Kingbird
- White-crowned Sparrow
- California Towhee
- Bullock’s Oriole
- Great-horned Owl
- Brewer’s Blackbird
- Lark Sparrow
- House Finch
- Say’s Phoebe
- Common Raven
- Yellow-rumped Warbler
- Mourning Dove
- Western Meadowlark
- California Quail
- Northern Mockingbird
- Red-tailed Hawk
- European House Sparrow
- European Starling
- Black Phoebe
- Cooper’s Hawk
- Prairie Falcon
- Phainopepla
- American Pipit
- Horned Lark
- Sage Sparrow
- Loggerhead Shrike
Kestrel's Musings 