Wild Burros In Southern CA

 Many people do not expect to find wild burros in Southern CA much less in the middle of a developed residential area.  The herd started in the early 1950's when a local rancher turned a small herd of burros loose when he could no longer afford to feed them and now in 2010 the herds have grown to include over 250 burros that wander between Reche Canyon and Pigeon Pass.  The local herds include; the Bachelor herd, Quail Call herd, Hidden Springs herd and the Pigeon Pass herd.  Often times the herd dynamics change just like the wild mustangs. 

"Junior"

Junior, 10 month old Jack

"Mother's Whispers"

Junior & Grammie

"Dark Eyes"

Junior, 10 month old Jack 

"Mother's Patience"

Grammie, 20 something year old Jenny

"Handsome"

Junior, 10 month old Jack

"Protector"

Curly, 6 year old red Jack

 About Wild Burros

Burros are very intelligent and curious animals, because of this they are easy to adopt and domesticate; once domesticated though they can not be returned to a wild lifestyle as the other burros will not allow them to return to the herd.

They are also very mischievous.  Young burros are always sticking they're noses where they don't belong. 

In our neighborhoods the burros are always crossing the road which sometimes leads to deadly trouble with drivers who are speeding and that don't anticipate finding a burro in the road.

"Funny Face"

Junior, 10 month old Jack

"Itch Down Here"

Junior, 10 month old Jack

"You Called"

Junior, 10 month old Jack

"Fuzzy One"

Trouble, 2 month old Jack

The Story About the Burro's Cross

Everyone knows that the donkey carries a cross on his back however most people don't know the legend of the donkey's cross. A story is told that the little donkey that had been Jesus' mount on Palm Sunday, came to the hill of Calvary. Seeing the tragic event occurring there he wished with all his heart he had been able to carry the cross for Jesus as he was the proper one to carry heavy burdens. The donkey turned his back on the sight, but he could not leave because he wished to stay until all was over because of his love for Jesus. In reward for the loyal and humble love of the little donkey the Lord caused the shadow of the cross to fall across his back and left it there for the donkey to carry forevermore as a sign that the love of God, no matter how humble, carries a reward for all to see. It's also told that the leg stripes were received from walking through the palm branches that were laid in it's path in honor of the burden the donkey was carrying.

Torrey Pines and La Jolla, CA

Located in Southern California, Torrey Pines offers some wonderful hiking along the coastline with wonderful scenery.  I visited one late morning in November right before a storm rolled in and had the opportunity to see a Pergrine Falcon, bottle nosed dolphins and many California sealions.

"Regal Raptor"

Peregrine Falcon in Torrey Pines, CA

"Touching"

California sealions, La Jolla, CA

"Sealion Rock"

California sealions, La Jolla, CA

"I Think Your Touching Me"

California sealions, La Jolla, CA

"Yep!  Your Touching Me"

California sealions, La Jolla, CA

  Horse Meadows, Big Bear, CA

Another favorite place of mine to hike is Horse Meadows which is along the way to Big Bear.  Not only is it gorgeous in the Spring, but in the Winter as well. 

"Open Meadow"

Horse Meadows, CA

"Oak Leaves in Fall"

Horse Meadows, CA

Idyllwild, CA

Idyllwild is a small mountain community tucked into the San Jacinto Mountains between Hemet and Palm Springs CA.  After a recent rainstorm I visited the area and saw many different bird species, mule deer and a coyote.

"Bluebird"

Idyllwild, CA

"Hurkey Creek"

Idyllwild, CA

"Coyote"

Idyllwild, CA

  Crystal Cove, CA

Located between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, this area is a protected underwater marine park as well as a California State Park.   From the cliffs above you can see gray whales migrating by, while on the beach you can see different marine bird species, sea lions, harbor seals and tidal pools.

"Hunting the Tide Pools"

Crystal Cove, CA

"Seashells"

Crystal Cove, CA

"Stalking"

Crystal Cove, CA