{"title":"Thermal, California","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"doi-curated-hub\" data-collection-editorial=\"thermal\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"doi-curated-hub__lead\"\u003eGet to know Thermal through its working agricultural landscape, equestrian grounds, private golf setting and the birds above the fields. This collection brings together our existing location guides, original photographs and stories about the people, water and wildlife that help explain the eastern Coachella Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cnav class=\"doi-curated-hub__nav\" aria-label=\"Explore this collection\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"#doi-thermal-photos\"\u003eBrowse places \u0026amp; photographs\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"#doi-thermal-stories\"\u003eRead the stories\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/coachella-valley-interactive-map\"\u003eOpen the regional map\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/nav\u003e\n\u003csection aria-labelledby=\"doi-thermal-stories\"\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"doi-thermal-stories\"\u003eStart with the story\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"doi-curated-hub__features\"\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-curated-hub__feature\" href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/green-fields-beyond-la-quinta-thermal\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/articles\/agriculture-thermal-mark-miller-2026-10-23-1.jpg?v=1793417136\u0026amp;width=800\" alt=\"Agricultural fields and distant mountains, photographed on a drone flight launched from Thermal, California. Mark Miller, October 23, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Green Fields Beyond La Quinta: A Look at Thermal\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart with Mark’s photographs of the working landscape: field geometry, farm roads and birds seen during his Thermal outing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eRead the story →\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca class=\"doi-curated-hub__feature\" href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/the-first-fall-show-in-thermal-ca\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/articles\/palm-springs-tram---october-15-2025---1-2_f7dc55d2-e7b3-460a-b315-9ee8b59ad19b.jpg?v=1788467098\u0026amp;width=800\" alt=\"European Starling flock with the Santa Rosa Mountains behind them in Thermal, California\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEuropean Starlings Over Thermal: The First Fall Show\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA firsthand field note about European Starling flocks moving above Thermal farmland beneath the Santa Rosa Mountains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eRead the story →\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca class=\"doi-curated-hub__feature\" href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/american-kestrel-hunting-fields\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/files\/american-kestrel-female-thermal-mark-miller-2026-10-23.jpg?v=1792792950\u0026amp;width=800\" alt=\"Female American Kestrel perched on a wire above the fields in Thermal, California, photographed by Mark Miller on October 23, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Tiny Falcon Above the Fields: How American Kestrels Hunt\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA female kestrel photographed in Thermal opens a closer look at perch hunting, hovering and the bird’s view of an open field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eRead the story →\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection aria-labelledby=\"doi-thermal-reading\"\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"doi-thermal-reading\"\u003eKeep exploring\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"doi-curated-hub__reading\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"doi-curated-hub__reading-group\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAgriculture and water\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/things-to-know\/beyond-dates-what-grows-coachella-valley\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeyond Dates: What Grows in the Coachella Valley?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA regional crop guide covering Thermal and the eastern valley, with a seasonal calendar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/history\/how-dates-built-the-coachella-valley\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow Dates Built the Coachella Valley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate palms, irrigation and the people behind a familiar agricultural landscape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/history\/1948-the-coachella-canal-and-the-water-that-built-the-desert\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoachella Canal: 1948 Water That Built the Valley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe water-delivery story behind eastern-valley agriculture and communities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003csection class=\"doi-curated-hub__reading-group\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAviation and life above the fields\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/history\/jacqueline-cochran-indio-aviation-history\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Jacqueline Cochran Connection: Aviation History Close to Sun City Shadow Hills\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConnect the airport in Thermal with Cochran’s wider aviation history and Indio roots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/turkey-vultures-coachella-valley-flight-food-life\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTurkey Vultures Above the Coachella Valley: Following the Landscape for a Living\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLearn to read the flight of vultures over agricultural country, including the Thermal landscape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection aria-labelledby=\"doi-thermal-photos\"\u003e\u003ch2 id=\"doi-thermal-photos\"\u003eLocations, landscapes \u0026amp; wildlife\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore Ladera Golf Club, Desert International Horse Park, the Coachella Valley RC Club and our growing agricultural gallery. The wildlife profiles include photographs made in Thermal, alongside species information for the wider valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"doi-curated-hub__note\"\u003eOriginal photography and field observations by Mark Miller. Open a location or subject below for its full gallery and guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cstyle\u003e\n.doi-curated-hub{--hub-border:var(--colorBorder,#ddd);margin:0 0 20px;color:inherit}.doi-curated-hub__lead{max-width:72ch;font-size:clamp(18px,1.8vw,22px);line-height:1.6}.doi-curated-hub__nav{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin:25px 0 38px}.doi-curated-hub__nav a{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;min-height:44px;padding:10px 16px;border:1px solid var(--hub-border);text-decoration:none!important;line-height:1.4}.doi-curated-hub__nav a:last-child{background:#834601;color:#fffdff;border-color:#834601}.doi-curated-hub h2{margin:42px 0 18px;font-size:clamp(24px,2.8vw,34px);line-height:1.25}.doi-curated-hub__features{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr));gap:24px;margin:20px 0 38px}.doi-curated-hub__feature{display:flex;flex-direction:column;border:1px solid var(--hub-border);text-decoration:none!important;color:inherit!important;min-width:0}.doi-curated-hub__feature img{display:block;width:100%;height:auto;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover;margin:0!important}.doi-curated-hub__feature\u003ediv{padding:20px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex:1}.doi-curated-hub__feature h3{margin:0 0 12px;font-size:21px;line-height:1.35}.doi-curated-hub__feature p{font-size:16px;line-height:1.55;margin:0 0 18px}.doi-curated-hub__feature span{font-size:14px;font-weight:600;margin-top:auto}.doi-curated-hub__reading{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr));column-gap:38px;row-gap:30px;margin:20px 0 42px}.doi-curated-hub__reading-group{min-width:0;border-top:1px solid var(--hub-border);padding-top:20px}.doi-curated-hub__reading-group h3{font-size:22px;margin:0 0 10px}.doi-curated-hub__reading-group ul{list-style:none!important;margin:0!important;padding:0!important}.doi-curated-hub__reading-group li{margin:0!important;border-bottom:1px solid var(--hub-border)}.doi-curated-hub__reading-group a{display:block;min-height:44px;padding:15px 0;text-decoration:none!important;color:inherit!important}.doi-curated-hub__reading-group strong{display:block;font-size:17px;line-height:1.45}.doi-curated-hub__reading-group span{display:block;font-size:15px;line-height:1.55;margin-top:6px;opacity:.88}.doi-curated-hub a:hover strong,.doi-curated-hub a:hover h3{text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:4px}.doi-curated-hub a:focus-visible{outline:2px solid currentColor;outline-offset:4px}.doi-curated-hub__note{max-width:75ch;font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;opacity:.88}.doi-curated-hub [id]{scroll-margin-top:160px}@media(max-width:800px){.doi-curated-hub__features{grid-template-columns:1fr}.doi-curated-hub__feature{display:grid;grid-template-columns:40% 1fr}.doi-curated-hub__feature img{height:100%;object-fit:cover}.doi-curated-hub__reading{column-gap:25px}}@media(max-width:520px){.doi-curated-hub__feature{display:flex}.doi-curated-hub__feature img{height:auto}.doi-curated-hub__reading{grid-template-columns:1fr}.doi-curated-hub__nav{gap:8px}.doi-curated-hub__nav a{flex:1 1 auto;justify-content:center;padding:10px 12px}}\n\u003c\/style\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"turkey-vulture","title":"Turkey Vulture","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"217\" data-end=\"252\"\u003eStatus in the Coachella Valley:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"252\" data-end=\"255\"\u003eCommon year-round resident. Seen soaring over open desert, agricultural fields, riparian corridors, and all surrounding mountain ranges (San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, San Bernardino).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"435\" data-end=\"453\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"439\" data-end=\"453\"\u003eAppearance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"454\" data-end=\"847\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"454\" data-end=\"504\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"456\" data-end=\"504\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"456\" data-end=\"465\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large raptor—wingspan ~6 ft (1.8 m).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"505\" data-end=\"621\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"507\" data-end=\"621\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"507\" data-end=\"522\"\u003eColoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark brown\/black body; distinct \u003cstrong data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"580\"\u003ered, featherless head\u003c\/strong\u003e in adults (juveniles have gray heads).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"622\" data-end=\"752\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"624\" data-end=\"752\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"624\" data-end=\"641\"\u003eWing Pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long two-toned wings—dark forewing, lighter flight feathers—held in a characteristic \u003cstrong data-start=\"727\" data-end=\"749\"\u003edihedral (V-shape)\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"847\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"755\" data-end=\"847\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"755\" data-end=\"772\"\u003eFlight Style:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slight tipping or wobbling as they ride thermals, using minimal wingbeats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"849\" data-end=\"872\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"853\" data-end=\"872\"\u003eEcological Role\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"873\" data-end=\"1308\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"873\" data-end=\"1015\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"1015\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"898\"\u003eObligate scavenger:\u003c\/strong\u003e Feeds almost exclusively on carrion, playing a \u003cstrong data-start=\"946\" data-end=\"974\"\u003ecritical sanitation role\u003c\/strong\u003e in desert and agricultural ecosystems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1016\" data-end=\"1186\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1018\" data-end=\"1186\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1018\" data-end=\"1051\"\u003eExtraordinary sense of smell:\u003c\/strong\u003e One of the few birds able to detect ethyl mercaptan, allowing it to locate carcasses concealed under vegetation or in desert washes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1187\" data-end=\"1308\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1189\" data-end=\"1308\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1189\" data-end=\"1208\"\u003eNon-aggressive:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike many raptors, they rarely kill live prey and are socially tolerant, often feeding in groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1310\" data-end=\"1329\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1314\" data-end=\"1329\"\u003eAdaptations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1676\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1406\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1332\" data-end=\"1406\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1332\" data-end=\"1353\"\u003eFeatherless head:\u003c\/strong\u003e Helps maintain hygiene while feeding on carcasses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1407\" data-end=\"1505\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1409\" data-end=\"1505\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1409\" data-end=\"1435\"\u003eHighly acidic stomach:\u003c\/strong\u003e Neutralizes harmful bacteria and toxins, preventing disease spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1506\" data-end=\"1676\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1508\" data-end=\"1676\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1508\" data-end=\"1539\"\u003eThermal soaring efficiency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal for hot desert environments—Turkey Vultures often begin flying later in the morning when rising warm air makes soaring effortless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1678\" data-end=\"1731\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1682\" data-end=\"1731\"\u003eWhere You’ll See Them in the Coachella Valley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1732\" data-end=\"2077\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1732\" data-end=\"1835\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1734\" data-end=\"1835\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1734\" data-end=\"1762\"\u003ePalm Desert \u0026amp; La Quinta:\u003c\/strong\u003e Commonly circling over golf courses, open desert edges, and foothills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1836\" data-end=\"1912\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1838\" data-end=\"1912\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1838\" data-end=\"1862\"\u003eWhitewater Preserve:\u003c\/strong\u003e Often glide along updrafts on the canyon walls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1913\" data-end=\"1999\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1915\" data-end=\"1999\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1915\" data-end=\"1947\"\u003eHighways 111 \u0026amp; 86 corridors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Frequently seen roadside searching for carcasses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2000\" data-end=\"2077\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2002\" data-end=\"2077\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2002\" data-end=\"2027\"\u003eSanta Rosa Mountains:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ride mountain thermals in large kettles (groups).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2079\" data-end=\"2101\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2083\" data-end=\"2101\"\u003eBehavior Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2102\" data-end=\"2388\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2102\" data-end=\"2202\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2104\" data-end=\"2202\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2104\" data-end=\"2126\"\u003eCommunal roosting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Roosts on cliffs, power structures, large trees, and abandoned buildings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2203\" data-end=\"2287\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2205\" data-end=\"2287\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2205\" data-end=\"2226\"\u003eDefensive tactic:\u003c\/strong\u003e Will regurgitate partly digested material when threatened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2288\" data-end=\"2388\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2290\" data-end=\"2388\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2290\" data-end=\"2311\"\u003eThermoregulation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use urohidrosis—defecating on their legs to cool themselves in extreme heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2390\" data-end=\"2444\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2394\" data-end=\"2444\"\u003eSignificance for Local Naturalists \u0026amp; Gardeners\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2445\" data-end=\"2724\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2445\" data-end=\"2529\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2447\" data-end=\"2529\"\u003eHelp control disease risk by rapidly removing dead animals from the environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2530\" data-end=\"2631\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2532\" data-end=\"2631\"\u003eTheir presence indicates healthy airflow corridors and open-space habitat around developed areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2632\" data-end=\"2724\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2634\" data-end=\"2724\"\u003eNon-predatory toward pets or garden wildlife, making them benign and beneficial neighbors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- DOI discovery curation: 2026-10-12 --\u003e\n\u003ctemplate data-doi-curated-template data-doi-discovery-audit=\"2026-10-12\"\u003e\u003csection class=\"doi-related\" aria-label=\"Related Stories and places\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__grid\"\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/products\/lake-cauhilla\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Lake_Cahuilla_View_of_Coral_Mountain..jpg?v=1737611584\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/products\/coachella-valley-preserve\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/files\/CoachellaValleyPreserve-January21_2025-3-2.jpg?v=1737529880\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThousand Palms Oasis Preserve\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/products\/whitewater-preserve\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/files\/WhitewaterPreserve-December15_2025-1.jpg?v=1765908610\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Whitewater Preserve\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhitewater Preserve\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/collections\/salton-sea\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/Salton_Sea_-_2024_-_3.jpg?v=1718315605\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Salton Sea\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSalton Sea\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/products\/bombay-beach\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/files\/bombay-beach-salton-sea-aerial-mark-miller-01.jpg?v=1790222432\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Bombay Beach\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBombay Beach\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/products\/indio-hills-badlands-indio-california\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/files\/east-indio-hills-badlands-aerial-trails.jpg?v=1789942546\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"East Indio Hills Badlands Trail\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEast Indio Hills Badlands Trail\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/salton-sea-ca-bird-watching-guide\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/articles\/img-1781469421494_3a9558a6-3871-44a6-b567-ba218b7943a3.jpg?v=1788463360\" alt=\"Salton Sea Bird Watching: Where to Go \u0026amp; What to See\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSalton Sea Bird Watching: Where to Go \u0026amp; What to See\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/the-pacific-flyway-coachella-valleys-living-migration-path\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/files\/snow-goose-salton-sea-pacific-flyway.jpg?v=1790828218\" alt=\"The Pacific Flyway: Coachella Valley’s Living Migration Path\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Pacific Flyway: Coachella Valley’s Living Migration Path\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/sonny-bono-salton-sea-national-wildlife-refuge\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/files\/J.W_Marriot_-_12.3.21_-_1-6.jpg?v=1730263277\" alt=\"Egrets and Cranes: A Day at the Salton Sea Refuge\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEgrets and Cranes: A Day at the Salton Sea Refuge\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/layers-of-a-desert-lake-birds-of-lake-cahuilla-in-winter\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/articles\/untitled-design-42.png?v=1768549146\" alt=\"Layers of a Desert Lake: Birds of Lake Cahuilla in Winter\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLayers of a Desert Lake: Birds of Lake Cahuilla in Winter\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/the-first-fall-show-in-thermal-ca\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/articles\/palm-springs-tram---october-15-2025---1-2_f7dc55d2-e7b3-460a-b315-9ee8b59ad19b.jpg?v=1788467098\" alt=\"European Starlings Over Thermal: The First Fall Show\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEuropean Starlings Over Thermal: The First Fall Show\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/why-i-love-winter-around-the-salton-sea\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/articles\/salton-sea-winter-shoreline-mark-miller-january-2026.jpg?v=1790272907\" alt=\"Why I Love Winter Around the Salton Sea\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhy I Love Winter Around the Salton Sea\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003c\/template\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead the related story: \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/turkey-vultures-coachella-valley-flight-food-life\"\u003eTurkey Vultures Above the Coachella Valley: Following the Landscape for a Living\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mark Miller","offers":[{"title":"💾 - Download","offer_id":48893640704281,"sku":"8541736-3132300","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/files\/6767b3999abe4346b434cac833227729.jpg?v=1714940931"},{"product_id":"alpaca","title":"Alpaca","description":"\u003cp\u003eI photographed this alpaca on agricultural land in Thermal, in the southern Coachella Valley. He was living alongside cows—a memorable sight among the valley’s farm animals, and a reminder that there is more to discover here than the wildlife we usually associate with the desert.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMeet the alpaca\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlpacas are domesticated South American camelids, relatives of llamas and camels with long necks, upright ears, padded feet, and a thick coat of fleece. They are smaller than llamas and have traditionally been raised primarily for their fiber. The two fleece types are Huacaya, with a fluffy, crimped coat, and Suri, with longer, silky locks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey graze on grasses and other forage, and their soft humming is one of several ways they communicate. Ear position and body posture also convey information. Like other camelids, alpacas may spit during disagreements or when distressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy might an alpaca live with cows?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlpacas are social herd animals. Being around familiar animals can offer companionship, and some alpacas form bonds with other livestock. That makes social company one possible explanation for a mixed-species setting like the one I photographed in Thermal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI do not know the farmer’s specific reason for keeping this alpaca with the cows. Alpacas generally do best with other alpacas as companions, so a photograph of one among cattle does not tell the whole story of its social group or care. What I can share firsthand is the scene itself: an alpaca living with cows on Thermal’s agricultural land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eSources \u0026amp; further reading\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/nationalzoo.si.edu\/animals\/alpaca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eSmithsonian’s National Zoo: Alpaca\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.merckvetmanual.com\/exotic-and-laboratory-animals\/llamas-and-alpacas\/management-of-llamas-and-alpacas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eMerck Veterinary Manual: Management of Llamas and Alpacas\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/alpaca.asn.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/RSPCA-overview-August-2020.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eAustralian Alpaca Association: Alpaca behavior and companionship\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhotographs and the Thermal observation are by Mark Miller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IpTh_cX0LCo?si=0TA05-WJDJLs1Sqv\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctemplate data-doi-curated-template\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"da-story-grid\"\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"da-card\" href=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/blogs\/nature\/the-first-fall-show-in-thermal-ca\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/palm-springs-tram---october-15-2025---1-2_f7dc55d2-e7b3-460a-b315-9ee8b59ad19b.jpg?v=1788467098\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"European Starlings Over Thermal: The First Fall Show\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-card__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEuropean Starlings Over Thermal: The First Fall Show\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWitness enormous European Starling flocks hunting insects across Thermal farmland while hawks trigger their synchronized defensive murmurations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca class=\"da-card\" href=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/blogs\/history\/how-dates-built-the-coachella-valley\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/d528-4.jpg?v=1788815394\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"How Dates Built the Coachella Valley | DOI\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-card__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow Dates Built the Coachella Valley\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollow imported date palms, irrigation, farmworkers, roadside stands and date shakes into the agricultural and festival identity of the valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca class=\"da-card\" href=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/blogs\/history\/1948-the-coachella-canal-and-the-water-that-built-the-desert\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/coachella-canal-infographic-showing-water-delivery-canal-construction-and-desert-agriculture-1.png?v=1787732848\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Coachella Canal: 1948 Water That Built the Valley\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-card__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCoachella Canal: 1948 Water That Built the Valley\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore how the 1948 Coachella Canal reshaped eastern-valley agriculture, groundwater, communities, and the desert’s long-term environmental future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca class=\"da-card\" href=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/blogs\/nature\/salton-sea-ca-bird-watching-guide\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/img-1781469421494_3a9558a6-3871-44a6-b567-ba218b7943a3.jpg?v=1788463360\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Salton Sea Bird Watching: Where to Go \u0026amp; What to See\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-card__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSalton Sea Bird Watching: Where to Go \u0026amp; What to See\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlan a Salton Sea bird-watching trip with seasonal guidance, recommended viewing areas, a practical route, and photography tips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca class=\"da-card\" href=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/blogs\/nature\/layers-of-a-desert-lake-birds-of-lake-cahuilla-in-winter\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/untitled-design-42.png?v=1768549146\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Layers of a Desert Lake: Birds of Lake Cahuilla in Winter\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-card__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLayers of a Desert Lake: Birds of Lake Cahuilla in Winter\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatch Lake Cahuilla’s winter ecosystem in action as gulls, shrikes, pelicans, and grebes hunt across the sky, trees, surface, and underwater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca class=\"da-card\" href=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/blogs\/nature\/sonny-bono-salton-sea-national-wildlife-refuge\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/SnowyEgret2.jpg?v=1792985735\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Egrets and Cranes: A Day at the Salton Sea Refuge\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-card__body\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEgrets and Cranes: A Day at the Salton Sea Refuge\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWalk through Mark Miller’s October field visit to the Sonny Bono Salton Sea refuge, with Snowy Egrets, Sandhill Cranes and desert photography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/template\u003e","brand":"Desert Oasis Insider","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50060486607129,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/files\/Ave61_CoachellaValleyBirds-2024-8.jpg?v=1734145277"},{"product_id":"coachella-valley-rc-club","title":"Coachella Valley RC Club","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Coachella Valley RC Club is a friendly, welcoming spot in the desert for anyone who loves flying RC models—planes, helicopters, and drones. The spacious field and sunny skies give pilots of all skill levels a chance to practice, learn, and have fun together. From regular competitions to casual meetups, there’s always something happening. Safety, creativity, and camaraderie make this club the perfect place for anyone passionate about remote-controlled aviation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Desert Oasis Insider","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50149674058009,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/files\/J.WMarriot-12.3.21-1-33.jpg?v=1735425303"},{"product_id":"european-starling","title":"European Starling","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"747\" data-start=\"240\"\u003eThe European Starling is a highly adaptable, non-native songbird that has become a year-round resident throughout the Coachella Valley. Originally introduced to North America from Europe in the late 1800s, it has since spread across nearly every habitat type, thriving in both urban and agricultural settings. In the desert environment of the Coachella Valley, starlings are most often seen in irrigated farmlands, date groves, golf courses, and residential areas where food and water are readily available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1223\" data-start=\"749\"\u003eAdult starlings are medium-sized birds with glossy black plumage that shimmers with purple and green iridescence in sunlight. During the cooler months, pale feather tips give them a speckled appearance. Their wings are sharply pointed, their tails short, and their bills slender—yellow in the breeding season and dark in winter. Starlings often travel in tight, synchronized flocks, and their collective movements create dynamic aerial displays, especially at dawn and dusk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1807\" data-start=\"1225\"\u003eEcologically, European Starlings occupy a complex role in the Coachella Valley. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming insects, fruits, seeds, and agricultural crops. During spring and summer, they can help control insect populations, including pests in date palms and other crops. However, their benefits are offset by their negative impact on native species. Starlings compete aggressively for nesting cavities, often displacing native birds such as Western Bluebirds, woodpeckers, and swallows. Large flocks also contribute to crop loss and can degrade natural roosting sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2148\" data-start=\"1809\"\u003eDespite their status as an invasive species, European Starlings have become a permanent part of the Coachella Valley’s avian community. Their remarkable adaptability and complex social behavior make them a fascinating subject for observing how introduced species integrate—and sometimes dominate—desert ecosystems shaped by human activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2148\" data-start=\"1809\"\u003eBlog Post\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2148\" data-start=\"1809\"\u003e- \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/blogs\/bird-watching\/the-first-fall-show-in-thermal-ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eThe First Fall Show In Thermal, CA\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- DOI discovery curation: 2026-10-12 --\u003e\n\u003ctemplate data-doi-curated-template data-doi-discovery-audit=\"2026-10-12\"\u003e\u003csection class=\"doi-related\" aria-label=\"Related Stories and places\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__grid\"\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/products\/lake-cauhilla\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Lake_Cahuilla_View_of_Coral_Mountain..jpg?v=1737611584\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/products\/coachella-valley-preserve\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/files\/CoachellaValleyPreserve-January21_2025-3-2.jpg?v=1737529880\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThousand Palms Oasis Preserve\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/products\/whitewater-preserve\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/files\/WhitewaterPreserve-December15_2025-1.jpg?v=1765908610\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Whitewater Preserve\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhitewater Preserve\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/collections\/salton-sea\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/Salton_Sea_-_2024_-_3.jpg?v=1718315605\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Salton Sea\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSalton Sea\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/products\/bombay-beach\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/files\/bombay-beach-salton-sea-aerial-mark-miller-01.jpg?v=1790222432\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Bombay Beach\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBombay Beach\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/products\/indio-hills-badlands-indio-california\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/files\/east-indio-hills-badlands-aerial-trails.jpg?v=1789942546\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"East Indio Hills Badlands Trail\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEast Indio Hills Badlands Trail\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/salton-sea-ca-bird-watching-guide\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/articles\/img-1781469421494_3a9558a6-3871-44a6-b567-ba218b7943a3.jpg?v=1788463360\" alt=\"Salton Sea Bird Watching: Where to Go \u0026amp; What to See\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSalton Sea Bird Watching: Where to Go \u0026amp; What to See\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/the-pacific-flyway-coachella-valleys-living-migration-path\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/files\/snow-goose-salton-sea-pacific-flyway.jpg?v=1790828218\" alt=\"The Pacific Flyway: Coachella Valley’s Living Migration Path\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Pacific Flyway: Coachella Valley’s Living Migration Path\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/sonny-bono-salton-sea-national-wildlife-refuge\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/files\/J.W_Marriot_-_12.3.21_-_1-6.jpg?v=1730263277\" alt=\"Egrets and Cranes: A Day at the Salton Sea Refuge\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEgrets and Cranes: A Day at the Salton Sea Refuge\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/layers-of-a-desert-lake-birds-of-lake-cahuilla-in-winter\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/articles\/untitled-design-42.png?v=1768549146\" alt=\"Layers of a Desert Lake: Birds of Lake Cahuilla in Winter\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLayers of a Desert Lake: Birds of Lake Cahuilla in Winter\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/the-first-fall-show-in-thermal-ca\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/articles\/palm-springs-tram---october-15-2025---1-2_f7dc55d2-e7b3-460a-b315-9ee8b59ad19b.jpg?v=1788467098\" alt=\"European Starlings Over Thermal: The First Fall Show\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEuropean Starlings Over Thermal: The First Fall Show\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/why-i-love-winter-around-the-salton-sea\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/articles\/salton-sea-winter-shoreline-mark-miller-january-2026.jpg?v=1790272907\" alt=\"Why I Love Winter Around the Salton Sea\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhy I Love Winter Around the Salton Sea\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003c\/template\u003e","brand":"Mark Miller","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51537942806809,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/files\/EuropeanStarling-Thermal_CA-October17_2025-1.jpg?v=1760844892"},{"product_id":"desert-international-horse-park-dihp-thermal-ca","title":"Desert International Horse Park (DIHP)","description":"\u003cp\u003eDesert International Horse Park is a major equestrian competition venue in Thermal and one of the West Coast’s leading winter destinations for horse sport. The expansive grounds provide nearly 1.6 million square feet of competition and riding space, accommodating large seasonal events in the eastern Coachella Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe facility includes multiple competition and warm-up rings, a Grand Prix stadium, a grass field, extensive stabling, spectator seating, vendors, dining areas, and hospitality spaces. Continued improvements to footing, infrastructure, and horse-care protocols support both high-level competition and equine welfare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts seasonal calendar features hunter, jumper, equitation, dressage, and international FEI competition. Events range from regional classes to CSI-level Grand Prix competition and World Cup qualifying events, attracting accomplished riders and horses from across the United States and abroad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring active show weeks, visitors can experience the athleticism, precision, and course design of professional equestrian sport in a dramatic desert setting. Competition dates, admission procedures, passes, and spectator access vary by event, so visitors should consult the official calendar before traveling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelated Resources\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/products\/empire-polo-club\"\u003eExplore Empire Polo Club\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/products\/coachella-valley-horse-rescue\"\u003eDiscover Coachella Valley Horse Rescue\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/products\/la-quinta-resort-and-club\"\u003eExplore La Quinta Resort \u0026amp; Club\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/products\/santa-rosa-mountains\"\u003eDiscover the Santa Rosa Mountains\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/products\/highway-111\"\u003eExplore Highway 111\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- DOI discovery curation: 2026-10-12 --\u003e\n\u003ctemplate data-doi-curated-template data-doi-discovery-audit=\"2026-10-12\"\u003e\u003csection class=\"doi-related\" aria-label=\"Related Stories and places\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__grid\"\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/products\/old-town-la-quinta\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Old_Town_La_Quinta_CA_-_May_31_2026_-_3.jpg?v=1780333384\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Old Town La Quinta\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOld Town La Quinta\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/products\/el-paseo\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/files\/El-Paseo-Palm-Desert-2021-5.jpg?v=1729106759\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"El Paseo\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEl Paseo\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/products\/sunnylands\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Walter_Annenberg_walking_through_the_landscaped_gardens_at_Sunnylands_estate_in_Rancho_Mirage_surrounded_by_desert_greenery_and_winding_pathways_under_a_tree_canopy.png?v=1777862241\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Sunnylands Center \u0026amp; Gardens\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSunnylands Center \u0026amp; Gardens\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/products\/downtown-palm-springs\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DowntownPalmSprings-August12_2026-9.jpg?v=1786652727\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Downtown Palm Springs\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDowntown Palm Springs\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/products\/shields-date-garden\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Shelds-Date-Fields-Indio-_-2021-_-1_866abf54-33a1-40e3-93fa-d89a80633601.jpg?v=1738565915\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"Shields Date Garden\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eShields Date Garden\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/collections\/the-living-desert-zoo-and-gardens\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/727c61245f7c490f9762f83da6ce1e31.jpg?v=1715823414\u0026amp;width=1200\" alt=\"The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Living Desert Zoo and Gardens\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/things-to-do\/beyond-festivals-indio-coachella-day-trip\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/articles\/CityofCoachella_CA-August18_2026-2_fda19abe-67b9-4720-adbe-564e689cd75e.jpg?v=1791786172\" alt=\"Beyond the Festivals: A Day Exploring Indio \u0026amp; Coachella\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBeyond the Festivals: A Day Exploring Indio \u0026amp; Coachella\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/history\/why-indio-exists-from-railroad-water-stop-to-city-of-festivals\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/articles\/coachella-music-festival-indio-ca-2022-8_cd9c34c7-9351-45bf-a460-13fcfba269e5.jpg?v=1784997815\" alt=\"Why Indio Exists: From Railroad Water Stop to City of Festivals\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhy Indio Exists: From Railroad Water Stop to City of Festivals\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/history\/how-dates-built-the-coachella-valley\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/articles\/d528-4.jpg?v=1788815394\" alt=\"How Dates Built the Coachella Valley\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow Dates Built the Coachella Valley\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/history\/before-the-cities-cahuilla-homelands-coachella-valley\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/articles\/cahuilla-homelands-ground-level-reconstruction.png?v=1791132180\" alt=\"Before the Cities: The Cahuilla Homelands of the Coachella Valley\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBefore the Cities: The Cahuilla Homelands of the Coachella Valley\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/things-to-do\/coachella-valley-visitor-guide\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/files\/PalmSprings-VisitorCenter-2024-3.jpg?v=1734500100\" alt=\"Coachella Valley Visitor Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do \u0026amp; How to Plan Your Trip\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCoachella Valley Visitor Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do \u0026amp; How to Plan Your Trip\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca class=\"doi-related__card\" href=\"\/blogs\/things-to-do\/this-week-in-the-coachella-valley\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/articles\/this-week-coachella-valley-events-thumbnail.png?v=1789448249\" alt=\"Today \u0026amp; This Week in the Coachella Valley\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"doi-related__card-copy\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eToday \u0026amp; This Week in the Coachella Valley\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003c\/template\u003e","brand":"Desert Oasis Insider","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51849224192281,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/files\/DesertInternationalHorsePark-Thermal_CA-January11_2026-4.jpg?v=1768179644"},{"product_id":"american-kestrel","title":"American Kestrel","description":"\u003cp\u003eA small falcon on a roadside wire can be easy to overlook until it turns its head. The hooked bill, dark facial stripes and intent gaze reveal a hunter. The American Kestrel (\u003cem\u003eFalco sparverius\u003c\/em\u003e) brings that combination of delicate size and predatory focus to the Coachella Valley’s open country.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhotographed by Mark Miller in the agricultural fields of Thermal on October 23, 2026.\u003c\/strong\u003e The bird shown here is a female: warm brown wings, streaked underparts and a tail crossed by narrow dark bands distinguish her from the blue-winged male.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to recognize an American Kestrel\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNorth America’s smallest falcon is roughly the size of a Mourning Dove, with a relatively large head, narrow pointed wings and a long tail. Two dark vertical marks on each side of the face are particularly useful when the bird is perched.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFemale:\u003c\/strong\u003e reddish-brown wings and back, a barred tail and streaked breast.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMale:\u003c\/strong\u003e slate-blue wings contrasting with a rusty back; the reddish tail has a broad dark band near its tip.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn flight:\u003c\/strong\u003e look for pointed wings and a slender outline. A bird holding nearly stationary over a field on beating wings is worth a closer look.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReading the bird in this photograph\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wire gives this female a clear perch above the field. Her yellow toes grip it while her head faces outward; the pale underside makes the brown streaking easy to see. The blue sky isolates her outline, showing how long the tail is relative to the body. These visible details support identification without relying on size alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere to look around the valley\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpen ground matters more than remoteness. Kestrels use farmland, desert edges, grasslands and other places with low vegetation and elevated perches. In the Thermal landscape, scan wires and posts beside fields before looking farther away. This October photograph documents one local encounter; it does not establish how many kestrels use a particular field or whether this individual stays all year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDifferent populations have different seasonal movements. Northern birds migrate, while some farther south remain resident. Repeated observations are more useful than a single sighting for learning the pattern at a particular location.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA patient hunter above the fields\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA kestrel can watch from a perch, then drop toward prey and grasp it with its feet. Where a suitable perch is absent, it may hover into the wind while searching below. Large insects are important food, along with small mammals, birds and other small animals. The photograph captures a perched bird; it does not show a hunt or identify what she was eating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNesting and conservation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKestrels use existing cavities rather than excavating their own. Natural hollows, old woodpecker holes and suitable nest boxes can provide nesting sites. Open feeding habitat alone is therefore only part of what a breeding pair needs. Loss of cavities and prey, along with pesticide exposure, are conservation concerns even for this widespread falcon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKestrel, shrike or larger hawk?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003ca href=\"\/products\/loggerhead-shrike\"\u003eLoggerhead Shrike\u003c\/a\u003e can also watch from a wire, but has a broad black eye mask and a gray, black and white pattern. A \u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-tailed-hawk\"\u003eRed-tailed Hawk\u003c\/a\u003e is much bulkier, with broad wings. The kestrel’s paired face stripes, rusty plumage and compact falcon shape are the better clues here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatching and photographing respectfully\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eObserve from a safe, permitted location and let the bird choose its perch. Keep roads, farm entrances and equipment routes clear. If approaching changes the bird’s behavior, give it more space. A quiet, distant view often reveals more than repeatedly following a bird from post to post.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore the next step in our illustrated story, \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/american-kestrel-hunting-fields\"\u003eThe Tiny Falcon Above the Fields: How American Kestrels Hunt\u003c\/a\u003e, with original photographs and an interactive comparison of perch hunting and hovering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSources\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/American_Kestrel\/id\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eCornell Lab: identification\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/American_Kestrel\/lifehistory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eCornell Lab: life history\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audubon.org\/field-guide\/bird\/american-kestrel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eAudubon: range and behavior\u003c\/a\u003e. Local photograph and observation: Mark Miller, October 23, 2026.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mark Miller","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67906767618329,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/files\/american-kestrel-female-thermal-mark-miller-2026-10-23.jpg?v=1792792950"},{"product_id":"ladera-golf-club-thermal","title":"Ladera Golf Club, Thermal","description":"\u003cp\u003eLadera Golf Club occupies a striking meeting point in the southern Coachella Valley: green fairways and ordered orchard rows beneath the rugged Santa Rosa Mountains. Mark Miller’s seven photographs from October 23, 2026 show that setting from broad landscape views down to the shapes of individual fairways, bunkers and planted rows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA private golf club in Thermal\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLadera is a private golf club in Thermal, California, in Riverside County. It opened in 2023 and was designed by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. Published course information lists a par of 72 and a back-tee length of 7,705 yards. That maximum yardage describes the course from its longest tees, not the distance every golfer plays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccess:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ladera is not a public daily-fee course. Golf access and any guest arrangements must be confirmed directly through the club or a host. This photo guide does not offer tee-time reservations, membership terms or permission to enter the property.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eArchitecture shaped by angles\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLadera’s design uses diagonal lines of play, bunkers and barrancas to create choices from the tee. The relationship between a hazard and the next shot is central to its character: an inviting stretch of fairway can still require a decision about how much of a corner or sandy area to challenge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe architectural pedigree is part of its appeal, but the photographs offer a different starting point. Before studying a scorecard, notice the contrast between broad playing surfaces and the rough texture of the surrounding land. Golf Digest named Ladera its Best New Private course for 2023.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat the photographs reveal\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe opening image places the club within its larger landscape. Mountain slopes dominate the background, while fairways, rows of trees and patches of bare ground create distinct patterns below. Heavy clouds make the green playing surfaces especially vivid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCloser views isolate the geometry: curved roads against straight orchard rows, pale bunkers against turf, and narrow transitions between planted ground and desert. One photograph shows low buildings beside the course; the images do not establish their specific uses or what facilities are available to guests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wider views are useful for understanding where the club sits. The tighter frames are better for studying texture and repetition. Together they document the property’s appearance on October 23, 2026, rather than promising the same turf color, weather or conditions throughout the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe southern valley setting\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"\/products\/santa-rosa-mountains\"\u003eSanta Rosa Mountains\u003c\/a\u003e provide the visual backdrop, but agriculture is equally important to the scene. Trees in measured rows and neighboring working landscapes connect these views to the broader story of Thermal. Compare them with the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/agricultural-landscapes\"\u003eAgricultural Landscapes\u003c\/a\u003e gallery for a closer look at fields photographed the same day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanning a golf visit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConfirm access before planning around a round here. For a different kind of outing, DOI also covers \u003ca href=\"\/products\/trilogy-golf-club-at-la-quinta\"\u003eTrilogy Golf Club at La Quinta\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cimarron-golf-resort-cathedral-city\"\u003eCimarron Golf Resort\u003c\/a\u003e. Check each course’s current booking arrangements and conditions directly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout this photo collection\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll seven images were photographed by Mark Miller on October 23, 2026. Captions identify the visible subject, location and date. The gallery is a visual record of Ladera’s setting; it is not a firsthand review of playing the course.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSources\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.hansegolfdesign.com\/projects\/original-design-projects\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eHanse Golf Course Design: original projects\u003c\/a\u003e; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/golf.com\/courses\/ladera\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eGOLF: Ladera course profile\u003c\/a\u003e; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.golfdigest.com\/story\/ladera-golf-club-gil-hanse-jim-wagner-photos-video\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eGolf Digest: Ladera feature and 2023 award\u003c\/a\u003e. Landscape observations and photographs: Mark Miller, October 23, 2026.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mark Miller","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67906767651097,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/files\/ladera-golf-club-thermal-mark-miller-2026-10-23-1.jpg?v=1792793008"},{"product_id":"agricultural-landscapes","title":"Agricultural Landscapes","description":"\u003cp\u003eA growing photographic collection of agricultural landscapes across the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea region and the surrounding desert. Fields, orchards, farm roads and distant mountains reveal the patterns of a working landscape—changing with the crop, the season and the light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis single gallery brings those views together over time. Locations and capture dates belong with each photograph, allowing the collection to grow across different places without splitting it into separate galleries for every town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA closer look at the working landscape\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWide views place fields in relation to roads, buildings and mountains. Tighter compositions reveal planting rows, field boundaries and the contrast between cultivated ground and adjoining bare soil. From above, these practical divisions become striking lines, shapes and textures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOctober 23, 2026 · A flight from Thermal\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first four photographs were made by Mark Miller during a drone flight launched from Thermal, California. Thermal identifies the flight’s starting location; the wider views extend across the surrounding agricultural landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape overview:\u003c\/strong\u003e fields, roads and distant mountains.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eField geometry:\u003c\/strong\u003e green blocks divided by pale farm routes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAgricultural mosaic:\u003c\/strong\u003e cultivated areas beside open ground and nearby buildings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eField-edge detail:\u003c\/strong\u003e planting patterns and contrasting surfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe images record the landscape as it appeared that day. Specific crops and farm names can be added when confirmed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFields and the birds around them\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the same day’s photography, Mark also photographed an \u003ca href=\"\/products\/american-kestrel\"\u003eAmerican Kestrel\u003c\/a\u003e perched on a wire and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/turkey-vulture\"\u003eTurkey Vultures\u003c\/a\u003e overhead. Their species pages hold those wildlife photographs, connecting the agricultural scenery with birds encountered on the outing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOne collection, many places and seasons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFuture photographs from around the Coachella Valley and Salton Sea can join this gallery. Individual filenames and captions retain the location and date, while the collection stays together as a visual record of desert agriculture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the relationship between agriculture, designed landscapes and mountain scenery, explore \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ladera-golf-club-thermal\"\u003eLadera Golf Club\u003c\/a\u003e, photographed on the same date. For the broader natural setting, see the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/santa-rosa-mountains\"\u003eSanta Rosa Mountains\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhotography:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mark Miller. First series: October 23, 2026 · Drone launched from Thermal, California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead the related story: \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/nature\/green-fields-beyond-la-quinta-thermal\"\u003eThe Green Fields Beyond La Quinta: A Look at Thermal\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead the related story: \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/things-to-know\/beyond-dates-what-grows-coachella-valley\"\u003eBeyond Dates: What Grows in the Coachella Valley?\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mark Miller","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67906768044313,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/files\/agriculture-thermal-mark-miller-2026-10-23-1.jpg?v=1792792982"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0868\/6813\/2121\/collections\/J.WMarriot-12.3.21-1-33.jpg?v=1794363139","url":"https:\/\/desertoasisinsider.shop\/collections\/thermal-california.oembed","provider":"Desert Oasis Insider","version":"1.0","type":"link"}