Tag: California

California, located on the west coast of the United States, is renowned for its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and significant economic influence. From the sun-kissed beaches of Southern California to the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, the state offers a range of natural beauty. The state is home to iconic cities like Los Angeles, known for Hollywood and the entertainment industry, and San Francisco, famous for its tech innovation and the Golden Gate Bridge. The state’s economy is one of the largest in the world, driven by sectors such as technology, agriculture, entertainment, and tourism. With its rich cultural diversity and pioneering spirit, California continues to be a land of opportunity and innovation.

Pronghorn ( Antilocapra americana )

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The pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), often mistakenly called an antelope, is the sole surviving member of the Antilocapridae family and North America’s fastest land mammal, capable of sustained speeds up to 55 mph (88 km/h). In the desert southwest of the United States, particularly the Sonoran Desert, the subspecies known as the Sonoran pronghorn (A. a. sonoriensis) exemplifies remarkable adaptations to arid environments, including efficient water conservation and heat tolerance. These graceful ungulates, with their distinctive pronged horns and white rump patches, roam vast open landscapes, evoking the untamed spirit of the American West.

A solitary Pronghorn ( Antilocapra americana ) found near Golbin Valley, Utah
A solitary Pronghorn ( Antilocapra americana ) found near Golbin Valley, Utah

Classification

Pronghorns belong to the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates), family Antilocapridae, genus Antilocapra, and species americana. There are five recognized subspecies: the American pronghorn (A. a. americana), Mexican pronghorn (A. a. mexicana), Sonoran pronghorn (A. a. sonoriensis), Baja California pronghorn (A. a. peninsularis), and Oregon pronghorn (A. a. oregona). The Sonoran pronghorn, endemic to the desert southwest, is listed as endangered due to habitat fragmentation and human activities. Pronghorns are not true antelopes but are more closely related to giraffes and okapis, though they represent a unique evolutionary lineage that once included multiple species during the Pleistocene era.

Physical Description

Adult pronghorns measure 1.3–1.5 meters (4.3–4.9 feet) in length, stand 81–104 cm (32–41 inches) at the shoulder, and weigh 36–70 kg (79–154 pounds), with males typically larger than females. Their coat is tan to reddish-brown on the back and sides, with white underparts, throat, and distinctive white rump patches that flare as alarm signals. The namesake horns, present in both sexes but larger in males (up to 50 cm or 20 inches), are unique: they consist of a bony core sheathed in keratin that is shed annually, unlike true antlers or horns. Females’ horns are smaller and lack the forward-facing prong. Large eyes positioned on the sides of the head provide a 320-degree field of vision, aiding in predator detection, while long legs and cushioned hooves enable high-speed endurance running. Sonoran pronghorns are slightly smaller and lighter, adapted for desert life with enhanced heat dissipation through large ears and a slender build.

Behavior

Pronghorns are diurnal and crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk to avoid midday heat in desert regions. They are highly social, forming mixed-sex herds of up to 1,000 individuals during winter migrations, but in the southwest deserts, groups are smaller (5–20) due to sparse resources. Territorial males defend harems during breeding, using scent marking from glands on the head and rump, and engage in ritualized displays like parallel walking or horn clashing. Their legendary speed—sprints up to 98 km/h (61 mph) and sustained 55 km/h (34 mph) over distances—evolved to outrun extinct predators like American cheetahs, and they can leap 6 meters (20 feet) horizontally. In the desert southwest, Sonoran pronghorns exhibit nomadic behavior, moving in response to rainfall and forage availability, and they pant or seek shade to thermoregulate in extreme heat. Communication includes visual signals like rump flashing, vocalizations such as snorts or bleats, and olfactory cues.

Food Sources

As herbivores, pronghorns are selective browsers and grazers, consuming a diverse diet of forbs (broad-leaved herbs), shrubs, grasses, and occasionally cacti, with preferences shifting seasonally. In the desert southwest, they favor drought-resistant plants like chainfruit cholla, mesquite, and palo verde for moisture, and can digest toxic species unpalatable to other ungulates due to large kidneys and specialized gut microbes. Forbs dominate in spring and summer (up to 90% of diet), while shrubs like sagebrush provide winter sustenance. They obtain most water from vegetation, drinking infrequently but traveling up to 10 km (6 miles) to water sources in arid areas. This opportunistic feeding helps them survive in low-productivity deserts, where they forage by nipping plants at ground level.

Breeding

Pronghorns are polygynous, with breeding (rut) occurring from July to October in southern populations like the Sonoran subspecies, timed to monsoon rains for optimal fawn survival. Males compete for females through displays and fights, establishing territories of 0.5–5 km² (0.2–2 sq mi). Gestation lasts 235–250 days, with females typically birthing twins (singles for first-time mothers) in secluded spots, hiding fawns in vegetation for the first few weeks. Fawns are precocial, standing within hours and running soon after, weaned by 4–5 months, and reaching sexual maturity at 15–16 months. In the desert southwest, breeding success is tied to rainfall; drought can lead to high fawn mortality from predation by coyotes or bobcats. Lifespan in the wild averages 10–15 years.

Habitat and Range

Pronghorns thrive in open, arid to semi-arid habitats with low vegetation for visibility, including grasslands, shrublands, and deserts at elevations from sea level to 3,300 meters (10,800 feet). In the desert southwest, the Sonoran pronghorn inhabits broad alluvial valleys, bajadas, and dry plains of the Sonoran Desert, separated by granite mountains, with sparse creosote bush, saguaro cacti, and ocotillo. Their range spans southwestern Arizona (e.g., Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge) and northwestern Sonora, Mexico, with a small population in California potentially extinct. Overall, pronghorns occur from southern Canada to northern Mexico, but in the U.S. southwest, they are found in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of California and Texas. They prefer gentle, rolling terrain for spotting predators from afar and avoid dense forests or steep mountains. Human developments like fences and roads fragment habitats, posing threats to migration and genetic diversity in desert populations.

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Classification

Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Artiodactyla
Family:Antilocapridae
Subfamily:Antilocaprinae
Tribe:Antilocaprini
Genus:Antilocapra
Ord, 1818
Species:A. americana[

Coyote (Canis latrans)

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The Coyote (Canis latrans), commonly known as the prairie wolf, brush wolf, or American jackal, is a highly adaptable medium-sized canid native to North America.

Coyote (Canis latrans) enduring a snow storm in Joshua Tree National Park - Photo by James L Rathbun
Coyote (Canis latrans) enduring a snow storm in Joshua Tree National Park – Photo by James L Rathbun

The binomial name Canis latrans translates to “barking dog,” reflecting its vocal nature. It belongs to the genus Canis, which includes wolves, dogs, and jackals. Approximately 19 subspecies are recognized, with variations in size and coloration across regions (e.g., larger northeastern forms often show some historical hybridization with wolves).

Classification

Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Carnivora
Family:Canidae
Genus:Canis
Species:C. latrans

Physical Description

Coyotes are smaller and more lightly built than gray wolves (Canis lupus), but larger than most foxes. Adults typically stand about 60 cm (24 inches) at the shoulder, measure 1–1.3 meters (3.3–4.3 feet) in total length (including a 30–40 cm bushy tail), and weigh 9–23 kg (20–50 pounds), with eastern populations often heavier.

The fur is long and coarse, usually grizzled buff, grayish-brown, or yellowish-gray on the upper parts, with whitish underparts, reddish tones on the legs, and a black-tipped tail. There is considerable variation; some individuals appear silver-gray or nearly black (melanistic forms are rare). Coyotes have pointed, erect ears, a slender muzzle, and a drooping bushy tail when running. They resemble a lean German Shepherd or collie but are distinguished by their narrower build and pointed features.

Behavior

Coyotes are highly intelligent, opportunistic, and adaptable. They are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), though daytime activity occurs where undisturbed. They can reach speeds up to 65 km/h (40 mph) and jump distances of 4 meters.

Social organization varies: many live solitarily or in pairs, while others form small family groups (often a mated pair and pups). They maintain territories, especially during denning season. Coyotes are famous for their vocalizations, including yips, barks, howls, and “serenades” at night for communication, territory defense, or coordination.

As efficient hunters and omnivores, they primarily prey on small mammals (e.g., rodents, rabbits, hares), but also take larger prey like white-tailed deer (especially in winter or packs), birds, insects, and carrion. They readily consume fruits, berries, and vegetation when animal prey is scarce. Hunting often occurs alone or in pairs, though packs form seasonally for larger prey. Keen senses of smell, hearing, and vision aid in locating food.

Range and Distribution

Historically centered in the western Great Plains and arid regions of North America, coyotes have dramatically expanded since the early 20th century. Today, they occupy a vast range from northern Alaska and most of Canada southward through the United States, Mexico, and into Central America (at least to Panama and parts of Costa Rica). They are found coast-to-coast in the U.S. and Canada, absent only from the northernmost tundra and some extreme southern peninsulas.

This expansion includes forests, urban areas, agricultural lands, deserts, and riparian zones, making the coyote one of the most widespread carnivores in the Americas. Highest densities occur in the Great Plains and south-central U.S. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its adaptability and stable/increasing populations.

The coyote’s success stems from its behavioral flexibility, omnivorous diet, and ability to thrive alongside human activity, making it a classic example of ecological resilience in modern landscapes.

Silver Star Mine

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The Silver Star Mine is a small mine site located off of the Zinc Mountain Road in San Bernardino County, California. The site rests at 4931 feet above sea level in the Ivanpah montains. The lonely site features a small humble cabin the miners used to survive and beat the heat. There is also a wrecked automobile near at the site, which has long since given up the battle against rust.

Silver Star Mine Cabin
Silver Star Mine Cabin

There is not much information available for this location on the Internet and hopefully I will be able to find some eventually. The mine site is also know as the Lucky Lode deposits. The route into the area is reasonably passable and should be suitable for most cars, provided the driver is used to operating on the back roads of the desert.

Silver Star Mine
Silver Star Mine rusted out auto

Some places claim that this mine produced lead, copper and zinc. The fact that this mine is found just off of Zinc Mountain Road offers some credence to a zinc mine. Other online sources claim this is a tungsten mine. A shallow mine shaft is located near the cabin. The shaft contains an old wooden ladder used by the miners and appears to be filled in, collapsed, or suspended after about 20 feet of workings.

Silver Star Mine Shaft
Silver Star Mine Shaft with ladder.

This stark hole in the ground reminds us what a challenges the life of a miner must endure. Hot, dry deserts, narrow, dark tunnels in a hostile landscape.

Silver Star Mine Trail Map

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Coyote Melon (Cucurbita palmata)

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Coyote Melon (Cucurbita palmata)
Coyote Melon (Cucurbita palmata)

Coyote Melon (Cucurbita palmata), also known as Coyote Gourd, is a flowering plant common in the desert southwest and known to produce spherical yellow – green melons. The vine like plant is commonly found is loose, sandy or gravely, dry, well drained soil which is common in Southern California, Arizona, Nevada and exclusively in Washington County, Utah. The primary characteristic is the growth of a green melon or gourd which is quite startling when you first see them in the hot desert climates.

Sereno Watson (December 1, 1826 in East Windsor Hill, Connecticut - March 9, 1892 in Cambridge, Massachusetts) was an American botanist
Sereno Watson (December 1, 1826 in East Windsor Hill, Connecticut – March 9, 1892 in Cambridge, Massachusetts) was an American botanist

The gourd was first described in 1876 by Sereno Waston who was a Yale graduate with a degree in Biology, The Coyote Melon features a sprawling stiff vine with rough, stiff-haired stems and leaves. Cucurbita palmata produces a large yellow bell shaped flower, while the melon itself is smooth in appearance. The striped yellow – green colored gourd is known to be quite hard, however, also thin when mature. The melons are very bitter and not edible. This hearty planet can survive the harsh desert landscape through its use of a large and hearty tap root. This root system can extend several feet into the dry soil to supply the plant with nutrients and water required for survival.

The Coyote Melon (Cucurbita palmata) is extremely fibrous and although not edible to humans is known to be on the coyotes diet during the fall, hence its name. It is quite common to find the seeds of this plant in coytoe scat during the fall months.

Despite the fibrous melon being inedible by man, the native american tribes were known to consume the ground seeds of this plant. Additionally, they used the dried gourds as rattles in various dances and other ceremonies. They also utilized the plant was as soap for cleaning.

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Alexander Zachariah Borden

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Alexander Zachariah Borden, affectionately known as “Shorty,” was a quintessential Death Valley prospector whose life embodied the rugged spirit of the American West’s mining era. Standing small in stature but immense in endurance, Shorty became a legendary figure in Death Valley National Park through his relentless pursuit of gold, remarkable survival stories, and contributions to the region’s infrastructure. Though he never struck it rich, his discoveries, such as Shorty’s Well, and his hand-built roads left a lasting mark on the arid landscape. Shorty’s hospitality, storytelling prowess, and deep knowledge of Death Valley made him a beloved “last of the old timers” among locals and visitors alike.

Early Life and Military Service

Details about Shorty Borden’s early life are sparse, with no confirmed birth date available in historical records. Based on accounts from the 1930s, when he was reportedly 65 years old while building a road in Hanaupah Canyon, he is estimated to have been born around 1867, likely in the United States. Little is known about his family background or upbringing, but his later life suggests a hardy, adventurous disposition shaped by the frontier.

Before fully committing to prospecting, Shorty served in the U.S. Cavalry during World War I, including duty on the Mexican border. This military experience honed his resilience and survival skills, qualities that would prove invaluable in the unforgiving Death Valley environment. After his service, he transitioned into mining, drawn by tales of riches in the California deserts.

Arrival in Death Valley and Early Prospecting

Shorty first arrived in Death Valley in 1887, enticed by the promise of gold during the late 19th-century mining booms. At a time when the region was sparsely populated and notoriously harsh—with extreme temperatures, scarce water, and treacherous terrain—Shorty roamed the surrounding mountains, including the Panamint Range, in search of strikes. He found several minor gold deposits scattered across the area, but none yielded the fortune he sought. These early efforts gave him an intimate knowledge of Death Valley’s geography, from hidden canyons to remote springs.

In the early years, Shorty partnered with fellow prospector Bud Saylor, whom he met in San Francisco. Together, they explored areas near Anvil Spring and Butte Valley, always hunting for a “mother lode.” Their partnership highlighted Shorty’s collaborative nature, as he often teamed up with others to share the burdens of desert life.

One of Shorty’s notable explorations was in Hanaupah Canyon, where he discovered a secluded valley with a perennial brook, watercress, cottonwood trees, and grass suitable for mules. Nearby Indian caves added to the site’s mystique. He even considered developing it as a tourist attraction, showcasing his entrepreneurial side beyond pure mining.

Survival Stories and Desert Ordeals

Shorty’s life was punctuated by dramatic near-death experiences that underscored his toughness. In one harrowing incident in Hanaupah Canyon, a sudden flash flood destroyed his camp, sweeping away supplies and leaving him stranded. Barefoot and hatless, he trudged through mud and debris toward Furnace Creek, battling dehydration and heat exhaustion. Delirious from thirst, he hallucinated pools of water before being rescued by Monroe Wagnon, a local who found him collapsed near the road.

Undeterred but not fully recovered, Shorty soon attempted another grueling trek to Anvil Spring to check on Bud Saylor. Underestimating his weakened state, he collapsed near the Eagle Borax mill, surviving only because Wagnon discovered him again, hidden among mesquite bushes. Nursed back to health at Anvil Springs, these episodes earned Shorty a reputation as a “durable walker,” capable of traversing dozens of miles despite his peculiar shuffling gait.

Later Mining Ventures and Infrastructure Contributions

By the 1920s and 1930s, Shorty focused his efforts in the Panamint, Emigrant, and Goldbelt Spring regions. In the late 1920s or early 1930s, he discovered promising silver-lead outcroppings in the South Fork of Hanaupah Canyon. Encouraged by positive assays, he single-handedly constructed a nine-mile road from the Death Valley floor to his mine site at Hanaupah Spring, starting in September 1932 and completing it six months later—at the reported age of 65. Using only basic tools like a pick, crowbar, shovel, dynamite, and burro power, this feat demonstrated his extraordinary determination.

During the road-building process, Shorty dug a well at the junction of West Side Road and Hanaupah Canyon Road, which became known as “Shorty’s Well.” This water source, vital in the water-scarce desert, cemented his legacy and appeared on maps as a key landmark.

Shorty partnered with Bill Price on the Hanaupah mine, but the venture failed when ore shipping costs exceeded its value. Despite this, he continued prospecting. In 1942, he relocated original claims with a partner named Thompson, and in 1943, he located additional claims with Bev Hunter, Roy Hunter, and Hellen Kraft—properties later owned by Victor Materials Company.

Personal Characteristics and Later Years

Shorty was renowned for his hospitality and friendliness, often sharing stories of Death Valley’s history with anyone who visited. Described as a “toughened desert veteran,” he possessed a wealth of regional knowledge, from hidden water sources to ancient Native American sites. His small frame belied his endurance, and his slight twisting gait became part of his endearing persona.

In his later years, Shorty lived as one of the last surviving old-time prospectors. A 1958 newspaper article noted him as still alive, residing in a rest home in San Bernardino, California. He eventually passed away in that rest home, though the exact death date remains undocumented in available records. Historical accounts confirm his death occurred after 1958, following a life of quiet perseverance.

Legacy

Shorty Borden’s legacy endures in Death Valley National Park through tangible landmarks like Shorty’s Well, Shorty’s Road, and his mine workings in Hanaupah Canyon. These sites attract hikers, historians, and adventurers, serving as reminders of the prospectors who shaped the region. Though he never achieved wealth, Shorty’s stories of survival and exploration inspire tales of the desert’s harsh beauty. As a symbol of the era’s gritty individualism, he is remembered in park histories, books, and oral traditions as a hospitable guardian of Death Valley’s secrets.