Wildlife Management Journal

Location: Flat Top Mesa at my yard's "watering hole" next to and under a creosote bush.

Description of what you were doing when you saw the species: looking out the window while sitting on my couch

Weather: Cool and sunny

Other same or different wildlife species present: No other species present at this time.

Behavior: Perched on the rim of the watering hole and occasionally bending over to get a drink. When coming up after a drink, would look around. Was only at the hole for about 60 seconds or so.

Location: Flat Top Mesa at my yard's "watering hole" next to and under a creosote bush.

Description of what you were doing when you saw the species: Sitting on my couch peering out the window.

Weather: still cool, early morning and overcast. Sun had just risen.

Other same or different wildlife species present: two other coyotes were with the the one at the water hole.

Behaviors: Cautiously made her(?) way to the watering hole while the two other coyotes hung back and appeared to keep watch. Neither of the other two coyotes came to get water. Was only at the hole for about 60 seconds maybe less. Was cautious in the approach up the hill then quickly scurried away when finished.

Location: Flat Top Mesa at my yard's "watering hole" next to and under a creosote bush.

Description of what you were doing when you saw the wildlife species: Sitting on my couch peering out the window.

Weather: Cool with the sun starting to set behind the mesa. Breezy.

Other same or different species present: none

Behavior: A lone coyote hesitated as it climbed up the hill to the watering hole and very skittishly drank from it for about 10 seconds and very quickly ran off. It was looking at me the whole time.

Location: Flat Top Mesa at my yard's "watering hole" next to and under a creosote bush.

Description of what you were doing when you saw the species: Sitting on my couch peering out the window.

Weather: cold/cool, sunny morning

Other same or different wildlife species present: Total of 6 Gambel's Quail

Behavior: One male Quail waddled up to the gravel and then the whole group eventually made it's way to the gravel where they mostly hunted and pecked the ground for food. This lasted about 7-10 minutes. One of the quails went to get some water out of the watering hole, but none of the others.

Location: Joshua Tree National Park, 49 Palms Oasis Trail

Description of what you were doing when you saw the species: Hiking

Weather: warm and sunny

Other same or different wildlife species present: none

Behavior: Spotted this chuckwalla while just off of a hiking path. It remained sunbathing on a rock when I approached it to take a photo.

Location: Hondo Wash/trail near Black Lava Butte entrance sign

Description of what you were doing when you saw the species: walking along a sandy trail

Weather: warm, especially for the morning, sunny

Other same or different wildlife species present: none

Behavior: Was motionless on the trail when we approached and did not move during our time with it.

Location: Flat Top Mesa at my yard's "watering hole" next to and under a creosote bush.

Description of what you were doing when you saw the species: Sitting on my couch, looking at the window.

Weather: Warm/hot, very sunny, slight breeze.

Other same or different wildlife species present: Gambel's Quail, another jackrabbit and juvenile cottontail

Behavior: Cautiously approached the watering hole but drank for more than a minute, taking brakes while drinking. Continued to watch me while drinking. But after drinking turned its back on me and began trying to eat off the creosote. It remained on the hill for a few minutes then quail arrived at the water hole. Another jackrabbit also came to the watering hole and exhibited similar behavior but spent more time eating from the creosote branches. It also positioned itself so that instead of me being at its side, it was backed into the creosote and able to keep both eyes on me. A few minutes later both rabbits were seen eating from the creosote on the lower part of the hill.

Location: Flat Top Mesa

Description of what you were doing when you saw the species: Outside in my yard.

Weather: Breezy, warm and sunny

Other same or different wildlife species present: a mourning dove was sitting on the utility wires near the pole the raven was perched on

Behavior: Flew to utility pole from off in the distance to land on it and perch. It appeared to be scoping out the area and remained on the pole for about five minutes.

Location: Flat Top Mesa at my yard's "watering hole" next to and under a creosote bush.

Description of what you were doing when you saw the species:

Weather: warm and sunny

Other same or different wildlife species present: my dog was nearby

Behavior: Remained still even in the presence of the dog. Hung out in the sun and in the sand.

Location: Flat Top Mesa at my yard's "watering hole" next to and under a creosote bush.

Description of what you were doing when you saw the species: Sitting on my couch, looking at the window.

Weather: Warm/hot, very sunny, slight breeze.

Other same or different wildlife species present: Gambel's Quail had just been at the watering hole about a minute prior to its appearance.

Behavior: Was originally in the creosote then hopped over to the watering hole. Bent over to sip the water quickly a couple times then flew away. Was at the watering hole less than 30 seconds.

Location: Morongo Valley Preserve walking path

Description of what you were doing when you saw the species: Walking through the preserve.

Weather: Warm and sunny with a slight breeze, but the preserve in this area has a lot of shade, as well.

Other same or different wildlife species present: none visible, but birds could be heard

Behavior: Laying out in the sun. Did not move even upon approach.

Location: Flat Top Mesa at my yard's "watering hole" next to and under a creosote bush.

Description of what you were doing when you saw the species: Sitting on my couch, looking at the window.

Weather: Warm/hot, very sunny, slight breeze.

Other same or different wildlife species present: None observed.

Behavior: Cautiously approached the watering hole and drank for about 10 seconds, then turned to look to check surroundings then went back to drinking for about 10 seconds. As it turned to leave, squatted to urinate revealing it is a female. This confirms what I have observed about this animal before, believing her to be a female. As she turned to leave again, it was visible that she had enlarged nipples and is nursing or has recently been nursing. It now makes sense that she has been coming for water the last few months as she has been pregnant and nursing.