Below Sea Level

I just returned from two weeks in southern California. My parents are renting a house near Palms Springs and graciously invited me to stay with them. With cheap flights and a strong Canadian dollar, it was an offer I could not refuse. While not strictly a birding trip, I was still able get out most days and visit some of the surrounding hot spots, including the Salton Sea and Joshua Tree National Park. The deserts were alive in colour from the various wildflowers benefiting from the heavy winter rains courtesy of El Niño. Fortunately, I managed to avoid most of the rain and was able to enjoy the sun and warm temperatures for a brief few days before returning home.