Part 2: Bonny Sono Salton Sea Wildlife Refuge (Vendel Rd)

The second part of my day trip went to the southern most tip of the Salton Sea. (green squares) 

There, in the middle of agriculture fields are a few ponds where migrating ducks can find a safe have during winter and hunting season.  

The access road is terrible, a gravel road with deep washboard ruts. Horrible. I slowed down to a walking speed to cover the 2 miles (3.2 km) in one piece. 

It was nearly noon when I arrived there, bright sun shining and, 68 F (20 C), not the ideal time

of the day to take photos. 

From the view platform at the parking space 

one gets a good view over the area and the most of the ponds around.

Some areas are off the limit to give the birds enough space and peace to thrive.

I spend about two hours here just watching. 

Also here the lack of water is obvious. The ponds very shallow.

This area here is showing mostly ducks, geese and marsh birds. 

I briefly saw a Marsh Wren (Sumpfzaunkönig) and heard a Gallinule (Ralle) calling,

Snowy Egret (Schmuckreiher), black legs, yellow feet

Cattle Egrets (Kuhreiher) black legs and feet

but was not able to see any among the tall marsh grass. 

Those are the birds I could take photos of. Some are blurry because of the heated, wavy air over the water. Most of the birds were either feeding or sleeping.

 

Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Dunlin, Dowitcher (Carolinakrickente, Löffelente, Alpenstrandläufer, Schlammläufer)

(for those who are interested)

Dunlins 

Marbled Godwit (Pflugschnepfe)

Green-winged Teal (Carolinakrickenten)

More Dowitchers (Schlammläufer)

Northern Pintail (front), (Spiessente) 

American Coot (Blässhühner)

American Avoced (standing), (Amerikanischer Säbelschnäbler)

Northern Shoveler, Grey-winged Teal 

and more Snow Geese (Schneegänse)

That is all for now. I hope it was not too boring for the non birders of you. For me it definitely was one of the highlights of this winter stay in Southwest California.

Blooming Acacia (Huisache), Süsse Akazie