While part of the team is travelling and is far away half of the team decides to explore the Gilbert Riparian Preserve. The idea is to see if there are any interesting birds in this famous preserve. And right from the beginning we see something special, lots of pelicans flying over, really cool! Unfortunately as expected there are also lots of other people here so a decision is made to go into the backcountry to reduce the crowds.
The first reservoir that is passed is empty, it is a bit surprising as this pond is more likely to have water than not in our experience. At least the animals and birds are out in force as the exploration continues towards the next reservoir.
The squirrels are especially cute and there are lots of them along the trail, watchful, always watchful. They are helped also by the hummingbirds who are flitting around and keeping an eye out for any intruders.
The next reservoir holds water and with water come also the waterbirds like egrets and shorebirds. Nothing really exciting but still fun to see.
Reaching the backcountry the reservoirs here are also quite dry with very few waterbirds. It is a bit disappointing and disconcerting as the reservoirs are the major draw of the reserve for most birdwatchers.
The land birds are still plentiful with quails, sparrows and even a few mockingbirds being easily found near the trail.
And then the next reservoir is the jackpot, it is full of water and it seems there are also shorebirds and water birds on it. Before reaching it however there is a beautiful scene of multiple squirrels and rabbits just sitting on the trail for no discernable reason. it seems it is mystical gathering and a great place to take photos before a bicycle scatters all the animals, drats.
Between the ducks and the one pelican that landed on the lake there are also birds on the shore like a Black Phoebe, our first for the year, and lots of Killdeer.
And then it is time to return to the car passing through the crowded area near the parking lot. However here there is one more unexpected reservoir full of water that deserves a detour, maybe there is something interesting to find.
There are some shorebirds and ducks but noting out of the ordinary and with the heat already beating down a retreat to the car is advised after a nice morning out.
