San Felipe Valley from Ferguson Flat. Volcan Mountain, California. 3 October 2009.
This group of San Diegito River Valley Conservation members had just climbed to the summit ridge of Volcan Mountain and was resting on Ferguson Flat, contemplating San Felipe Valley. The Salton Sea can just be seen on the horizon to the left of the image.
The San Felipe Valley is a unique blend of diverse habitats types such as desert riparian woodland, chaparral, oak woodland, and mixed hardwood/conifer forest. Native grasslands and Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub are examples of rare habitat types that can also be found. In addition, equally rare bird and mammal species such as golden eagles and pocket mice can be spotted by the sharp-eyed observer. Natural springs throughout the area and a portion of San Felipe Creek provide water year round. Major wildlife species found within the valley include mule deer, mountain lion, coyote, bobcat, gray fox, badger, wild turkey, California quail, mourning dove and several species of raptors. Songbirds such as western bluebirds, gray flycatchers, western tanagers, and yellow warblers provide flashes of color during the spring migration. On this day several gliders were also spotted playing in the updrafts.
