After the storm~SkyWatch Friday 122310

I drove out to Indio yesterday afternoon while there was a break in the storm. I stopped and pulled off on the road by the Coachella Valley Preserve's southern boundary, but it was full of water ahead and I didn't wish to drive through it. I was able to get these two photos, and then I turned around and went back on my way. Skywatch Friday for December 24, 2010.

Water, water....EVERYWHERE! Nature Notes 122210

There is a major wash, the Whitewater Channel, which runs throughout our desert. It starts near Palm Springs and the water flows all the way down to the Salton Sea, about 50 miles away. Several golf courses, including this one in Palm Desert, were washed out during our recent winter storms that hit the desert over the past several days. I was talking to one gentleman who was also out viewing all the water washing by and he asked me, "Where does all this water go?" I believe it all does end up in the Salton Sea, which is the lowest point in the Coachella Valley at 200 feet below sea level. I stopped on Monterey Avenue and walked back to an area beside the bridge to take this photo. Nature Notes for December 22, 2010.

Geese in the desert~That's My World 121410

Yes, here in the desert southwest, we have geese. Not only do they fly overhead (click on top photo to enlarge), but here in Palm Desert, they set up winter housekeeping at some of the resorts, such as the Desert Springs Marriott. In fact, it is a bird sanctuary. A couple of times now, while I'm out on my morning walk, I've heard the "honk, honk, honk" of a flock of geese. This time, fortunately, I had my camera with me and I was able to point and shoot! Hubby and I were at our son's house in Indio one evening when flock after flock of birds (I believe they were ducks) flew over Hal's house. I didn't have my camera that evening, and we all just stood looking at them with our mouths open! There were so many birds! It was amazing. Canadian geese take up residence during the winter months at the hotel, much to the annoyance of golfers! But, ahhhh....just to hear their cries! It's music to my ears. That's My World for Tuesday, December 14, 2010.

Oatman window reflection~Weekend Reflections 121110

I'm GRADUALLY learning how to use the polarizing filter that hubby bought me for my Nikon. He showed me how, if you turn it just right, you can get a nice window reflection, like this one. HA! Now that I know how to do it, LOOK OUT! Sometimes, though, (I must confess...) I still forget to turn the filter. This is something I need to work on in the future! Weekend Reflections for December 11, 2010. For other participants, please visit Weekend Reflections at: http://newtowndailyphoto.blogspot.com/?