The Binocular Site
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Although it was only made a US National Park in 1994, Joshua Tree was previously designated as a National Monument in 1936.
Covering over 1200 square miles, this desert park is located in south-eastern California, about two and a half hours east of San Bernardino. The park takes it name from the native Joshua Tree.
The Joshua Tree is largely confined to the Mojave Desert within the Joshua Tree National Park. There are over 250 species of reported birds known to make use of the area. Thanks to the many oases found here, the desert can provide excellent birding during spring migration. Many eastern vagrants stop here during their flight.
The best spots for birding here include the water impoundments, fan palm oases, and even the dry lakes left rich with growing vegetation. This arid landscape provides a home to many resident desert birds like the Cactus wren, Gambel's quail, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, and Bendire's Thrasher.
Of the transient birds that stop in at Joshua Tree National Park you can hope to see Indigo and Lazuli buntings, Swainson's Hawks, a whole slew of brightly colored warblers, and perhaps the occasional shorebird.
The official California state bird is the California Quail and you can find a checklist for birding activities in California here.
Photo credit to Paraflyer, used with permission under the creative commons license. You can learn more about the culture, history, and nature observation opportunities at the Joshua Tree National Park here.If you've visited the Joshua Tree National Park, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this California bird watching location below.
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