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Desert lavender flowers and small leaves beside a La Quinta Cove hiking trail.

Desert Lavender

A hardy, aromatic shrub native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, including the Coachella Valley and su...

 A large-billed brown and white bird perched on a branch at The Living Desert.

Laughing Kookaburra

A bird native to Australia and a member of the kingfisher family. While it is not naturally found in the Coachella Valley, it is widely admired in ...

 Tan rounded desert shrub photographed in La Quinta Cove, tentatively identified as cheesebush or burrobrush

Cheesebush / Burrobrush

Field note · La Quinta Cove, September 28, 2026. The rounded, straw-colored shrub in these photographs is presented as a provisional identification...

 A white-tailed antelope squirrel sitting on a dark rock.

White-tailed Antelope Squirrel

The White-tailed Antelope Squirrel (Ammospermophilus leucurus) is a small, diurnal rodent commonly seen darting across arid landscapes of the south...

 A dense flock of European starlings flying above agricultural fields in Thermal.

European Starling

The European Starling is a highly adaptable, non-native songbird that has become a year-round resident throughout the Coachella Valley. Originally ...

 A white-crowned sparrow perched on a slender marsh stem.

White-crowned Sparrow

A strikingly patterned songbird, easily recognized by its bold black-and-white striped head, grayish breast, and brown-streaked back. These sparrow...

 A Western Grebe bird with black upperparts and white underparts, distinct black cap extending down to the red eyes, and a long, straight, and sharp yellow-green bill, swimming on the water.

Western Grebe

A striking waterbird known for its elegant appearance, elaborate courtship dances, and expert diving abilities. While not a year-round resident of ...

 A Joshua tree standing in a dry desert landscape.

Joshua Tree

An iconic species native to the Mojave Desert, including the high desert edges of the Coachella Valley. Botanical Profile: Family: Asparagaceae (...

 A red-tailed hawk perched on a tall wooden post.

Red-tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is one of the most widespread and recognizable raptors in North America—and a commanding presence in the sk...

 A spotted big cat resting in a shaded, leafy enclosure at The Living Desert.

Jaguar

The jaguar (Panthera onca) is one of the most striking and ecologically significant big cats, and while it is not native to the Coachella Valley, i...

 An American White Pelican floating on water with a blue sky and white clouds in the background.

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)

The American White Pelican is one of North America’s largest waterbirds (8–9 ft wingspan, 10–20 lbs). Mostly white with black flight feathers, it s...

 Lee Espinoza seated in his boxing ring, surrounded by championship belts and boxing memorabilia.

Librado “Lee” Espinoza

Librado “Lee” Espinoza is the founder and longtime coach behind the Coachella Valley Boxing Club. Born near La Piedad, Michoacán, Espinoza came to ...