Creatures in Joshua Tree National Park

I feel so fortunate:  there is an entrance to Joshua Tree National Park just a half hour from where I live...AND, for us citizens 62+ years old, for only $10, a lifetime pass to ALL our amazing national parks is available...

I saw a lot of wildlife when I was there 3 days ago: 

lots of Phainopeplas, a dark blueish crested bird smaller than a robin, larger than a sparrow...

and at Barker Dam, water-loving blackbirds with their characteristic song, who will most likely leave when the water dries up...

summer has unofficially begun...here is our weather forcast:

the ubiquitous cottontail, this one watching me from the back of its eye, both ears turned towards me...I did not realize they could swivel their ears so far...

unidentified lizard sunning near the water...

I followed the trail that goes down the side of the dam to the west...

and came upon this large (about 14" head to tip of tail) Long Nosed Leopard lizard in the shade of a bush...