This is my second summer working at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, and it has certainly been a hot one, with multiple days of temperatures soaring over 100°F. Thankfully, the abundant shade provided by the trees makes the heat more bearable. Despite the intense summer temperatures, our team remains diligent, tackling tasks like trimming mesquite trees and clearing fallen cottonwood branches early in the day to avoid the peak heat.
Although I’m not a fan of the extreme summer heat, I appreciate the increased reptile activity it brings. During the summer, I encounter snakes almost daily at the preserve, including California king snakes, red racers, and rosy boas. The California king snakes, with their striking black and white patterns, are my favorites. They calmly traverse the trails, offering a perfect opportunity to observe them closely, unlike the elusive red racers that dart away at the slightest notice. Rattlesnakes are also common here, but like most wildlife, they prefer to be left alone and only become defensive when threatened. A memorable moment occurred during a bird walk when our volunteer bird leader, Kathy, spotted a rattlesnake along the trail that the rest of us had walked right by. It was a valuable reminder to remain vigilant and look down as much as up while birding.
On some Saturdays, I co-lead bird walks with Kathy, and I occasionally join the Wednesday bird walks as well. Birding has become a cherished hobby, and I am immensely grateful for the knowledge shared by volunteers and visitors! While birds are our primary focus, we also observe other wildlife and plants. Understanding plant life is beneficial, as certain birds prefer specific plants—red crossbills often forage in pine trees for cones, and northern flickers are attracted to palm tree berries. I now recognize the sights and sounds of most birds at BMCP, and it’s gratifying to identify them by sound alone, often before they are visible. A particularly rewarding moment was spotting the rare northern parula by its call! With my growing confidence in bird identification, I am now moving onto learning about the butterflies and skippers of the preserve, thanks to the expertise of volunteers during the Wednesday walks. A beauty of the preserve lies in its endless learning opportunities!
On Sundays, our dedicated volunteers and I offer educational activities at the nature center, including owl pellet dissection, identifying animal scat and tracks, exploring bird beak structures and functions, understanding the water cycle and weather, and distinguishing between insects and arachnids. Children’s favorite activities are animal scat identification, owl pellet dissections, and hand painting scorpions. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and one memorable instance was when a young girl asked for my autograph on the latest newsletter. It was an honor I will always cherish!
Working at the preserve is truly a dream come true, and I am incredibly grateful for this wonderful opportunity!