Winter Break in Palm Springs

I've finally got to processing and posting my photos from our winter holiday to Palm Springs, California. Highlights included the Indian Canyon and the Thousands Palms Oasis Preserve. Although much of the landscape was inhabited by desert shrubs, the smallest pockets of water host a completely different plant community. Willows and California fan palms were the dominant plants growing near water along with grasses and sedges.  Other visits included Joshua Tree National Park, where Yuccas, including the famous Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia), pinyon pine, scrub oak, and cacti find a way to inhabit their harsh climate. Contrary to their common name, Joshua Trees are not trees, but instead are in the agave family, Asparagaceae. It was fascinating to observe the plant diversity within several plant communities that have evolved in incredible ways to inhabit the desert's harsh climate. I also saw two new birds, the Pinyon jay and Black-throated Sparrow. Happy new year!
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