Quick stop in Joshua Tree on a way back.

We left toxic shores of Salton Sea and went home the same way , through the Joshua Tree.  It was a wonderful change of scenery .  Joshua Tree is beautiful and the air is fresh  and clear.  We learned on our way in that there was a desert fox nest by Barker Dam where a few desert fox puppies were born just 7 weeks ago.  We decided to stop and take a look.  While we were waiting for desert foxes to come out we were lucky to meet other animals as well.

A trail that leads to Barker Dam 

Barker Dam in the  Summer.  In a Fall and a winter the area fills up with water but dries over the hot summer months.  This is the area where animals come to drink water in the mornings and evening.  

And here they were the rabbit 

The lizard

Oh , No, here is a real life and death struggle 

Big Horn sheep, i was happy to see him

Big Hornes seemed to be social and liked posing for pictures.  They were neither afraid or intimidated by people with cameras.  Big Horns are friendly and i was able to get fairly close to get a good close up shot.  If you happen to see them , don't be scared , they will not harm you.  just don't do something foolish such as trying to pet them, after all , they are wild animals , they are not to be petted like a family pet.   

 

Finally, we set up in a rock across desert fox nest waiting for them to come out.  we were waiting for a while till the started showing their heads.  Desert foxes have completely different personalities from big horns.  they don't want to be seen and we have to take  pictures of them from far away.  This is when zoom lenses come in handy.

Coming out from the cave nest.  

So they came outside from their cave just to lay down and nap again. So Lazy!

 we ended up waiting for another couple hours till they finally woke up and came down the rock to play and investigate the surroundings.

 Finally down the rock