Chicago Nature Blog: From Anza Borrego to San Diego

A few highlights from last week’s trip to southern California.

We flew into San Diego and then drove to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Califoria's largest state park at nearly 586,000 acres. We stayed in a casita smack in the middle of the Colorado Desert.

We explored the environs a bit. Among hundreds of rodent burrows, we found this burrow of a young Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)

We enjoyed the remarkable sculptures by artist Ricardo Breceda. Our favorite was the "snake", actually a sea dragon that is so long (about 350 feet) that it crossed the road (or gives the impression that it does).

Cholla at sunset

Another favorite, a large scorpion (foreshadowing).

We lucked out big time the following day, as it rained a fair amount.

Aimee and Lumen on the rocks in between drizzles and dazzling thunder/lightening

A grasshopper with perfect camo

Lots of side-blotched lizards (Uta stanburiana). Very quick and hard to photograph.

We drove past a single desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) crossing the moist road. One day I'll get a good shot of one!

We pulled over near a scenic overlook and we liked climbing up the rocks to find cacti more than staring at the long range views.

Though the view was great...

Anza-Borrego has its own slot canyon, located off the beaten track in a relatively remote location off of Highway 78. We arrived just before sunset. This is the perfect place for adults or children. Be aware of the many black widows that live down in the canyon.

Lumen and me as we exited the canyon. Photo by Aimee

On the way out, I cruised this sidewinder (Crotalus cerestes). We all jumped out of the car for photos, as this was Lumen's first rattlesnake. We saw another one, but it was anxious to get on its way so I only took video.

I picked up a black light flashlight with the hopes that I may possibly shine a scorpion at night. Scorpions fluoresce under black lights which makes them easy to spot when they are out and about after dark. Not only did I find one, I found many - all within seconds of exiting the car off of a random desert road!

I think this is the endemic Paruroctonus borregoensis (feel free to message me if I'm incorrect).

Back in San Diego, we spent most of our time at or near the beach, with stops at the San Diego Zoo, Scripps Aquarium, and other attractions.

A huge Boelen's python (Simalia boeleni)

If you go to Scripps, climb the steep little hill near the entrance and you'll find a worn path along the top of the ridge. Take it toward the ocean and you'll have great views. You will probably also find hundreds of these garden snails everywhere. Actually, we were probably trespassing. So, don't do that.