Birding in the Coachella Valley

I became a bird nerd during my time in the Coachella Valley, where the vibrant landscape and diverse birdlife quickly captured my attention. Most of the pictures I’ve taken come from Desert Island in Rancho Mirage, a special place not just for me but also historically, as the Annenbergs purposely purchased land here because it lies along a key migratory flight path. This spot offers incredible birdwatching opportunities—I’ve had the rare experience of watching a grebe carefully build its nest on a patch of lily pads, lay its eggs, and then witness the chicks hatch. The dedication of the parents as they teach their young how to fish is a remarkable display of nature’s rhythm in our desert oasis. Around the same waters, pelicans arrive in great numbers, to feed on the fish beneath the surface. Egrets add their own elegance, flying in with a quiet purpose to find their favorite fishing spots along the water’s edge.

Swans also claim their place here, nesting and hatching awkwardly adorable cygnets that grow before my eyes, a subtle reminder of life's delicate cycles even in the desert. The skies and trees are alive with activity — night herons, woodpeckers, hawks, and bald eagles hunt and soar across the long fairways. Owls and osprey perch silently in hidden branches, while great blue herons stand with striking height and poise, ever alert.

This desert oasis is brimming with life, more than one can fully capture or describe. Each day brings new scenes to witness, deepening my appreciation for the intricate web of nature thriving in this unexpected corner of the world. The connection I feel here is profound — a constant reminder of the beauty that flourishes when we pause to observe.