Nature & Friendship in Palm Springs
Over the course of a lifetime, we meet many people—some come and go, while others leave a lasting imprint on our hearts. Every now and then, we are fortunate enough to meet someone who stands the test of time, a rare and cherished friend whose presence enriches our lives.
Reflecting on friendships, my husband and I, who have been together for over 30 years, often talk about the incredible people we’ve met throughout our careers. Among them, one person always stood out—not only did I work with her once, but twice, and her warmth, kindness, and outlook on life have always remained with us. In the fall of last year, we realized her birthday was approaching in January, and in one of our regular text exchanges, we asked if she’d be up for a visit. Her enthusiastic “That would be terrific!” was all we needed to book our flights.
This past January, we traveled to Palm Springs, California, to celebrate her 85th birthday. At 85, she is young at heart, full of ideas and enthusiasm. The trip was not just about marking another year in her life—it was a celebration of friendship, shared experiences, and the joy of reconnecting.
Palm Springs welcomed us with comfortable temperatures—warmer than the chilly New York winter, though not overwhelmingly hot. There were some high winds, but overall, the weather was perfect for outdoor adventures. Beyond the joy of celebrating our dear friend, we had another exciting aspect of the trip: exploring the area’s diverse wildlife.
As nature lovers and avid birders, my husband and I spent much of our time outdoors, embracing the region’s incredible biodiversity. Most people think of Palm Springs as purely desert, but in reality, it boasts a variety of landscapes—from mountains to wetlands, from low deserts to high deserts. During our trip, we identified over 55 species of wildlife, mostly birds, and were thrilled that 23 of them were “life birds”—species we had never seen in the wild before. For birders, spotting a life bird is always a special moment, an experience that stays with you long after the trip ends.
Whether it’s a red-tailed hawk from Central Park or a desert dweller from Palm Springs, I love turning my favorite wildlife encounters into functional art. My product line includes everything from note cards and lapel pins to puzzles and microfiber cloths—each designed to help you explore the wild from the comfort of home.
This journey had the perfect balance—we spent meaningful time together, caught up with an old friend, and created new memories while being surrounded by nature. We even had the bonus of reconnecting with another friend from my past workplace, someone dear to us whom we hadn’t seen in years. Our days were filled with everything from relaxed conversations to adventurous birdwatching, and even a little bit of sightseeing in off-the-beaten-path locations.
One of the highlights was taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, an incredible experience that took us up into the mountains in a rotating tramcar. For someone afraid of heights, I always push myself to face my fears, and while the sudden dips when passing the towers made my heart race, the breathtaking views made it all worthwhile. The contrast between the valley below and the snow-dusted peaks above was stunning, adding yet another layer to the beauty of this trip.
Palm Springs, CA Collection 2025
Step into the sun-drenched beauty of Southern California with the Palm Springs, CA Collection—a new series of 20 fine art prints by NYC-based photographer Dennis Newsham. Captured during a winter escape, this collection goes beyond Palm Springs itself, highlighting the rich and varied landscapes of the region.
Explore My New Palm Springs, CA Photography Collection
Photography, for me, is more than just capturing an image—it’s about capturing a feeling, an emotion, a fleeting moment in time. That’s why I’ve curated a new series of 20 fine art prints: the Palm Springs, CA Collection. This special release tells the story of our journey not just through images, but through the textures, light, and emotional moments behind them.
The Palm Springs, CA Collection celebrates the vivid light, natural diversity, and soulful spirit of the California desert. Captured across Palm Springs, the surrounding high and low deserts, wetlands, and rugged mountain ranges, each print invites you to bring the wild beauty of the West into your space.
You can now explore the full collection at DennisNewsham.com.
Of course, no trip is complete without good food. We indulged in everything from quick bites to elegant sit-down dinners, culminating in a wonderful celebratory meal at a beautiful hotel on the mountain, overlooking the desert below. The joy wasn’t just in the food but in the shared moments—the laughter, the stories, and the simple act of telling someone how much they mean to you.
Palm Springs may not have been in the midst of a heatwave, but it wasn’t at its coldest either. Mornings required jackets, but by midday, a hoodie was enough. We wandered through city parks, explored rugged mountain trails, and embraced the excitement of never knowing what we might encounter around the next bend. That’s part of the joy—not just the thrill of spotting a new species but the experience of sharing it with a loved one, a friend, or even just with oneself.
From witnessing the flash of red as a Vermilion Flycatcher darted through the air to catching sight of elusive Roadrunners (for us) and Gambel’s Quail, every sighting was a thrill. Some birds, like the White-headed Woodpecker and the Pygmy Nuthatch, were completely new to us, while others, like the Steller’s Jay and Oak Titmouse, were delightful surprises. Each moment spent birdwatching was a reminder of why I love what I do—it’s about being present, about embracing the unexpected, about finding wonder in the natural world.
At the heart of it all, though, was the human connection—the simple yet profound act of telling someone that they are cherished. Yes, the wildlife sightings were spectacular. Yes, the scenery was breathtaking. But what made this trip truly special was celebrating our friend, sharing our love of nature, and taking a moment to step away from the hustle of everyday life to appreciate what truly matters.
Palm Springs was a refreshing shift from my usual NYC landscapes—trading squirrels and sparrows for hummingbirds and desert hares. It’s always inspiring to explore new environments and connect with wildlife in unexpected places.
If you’d like to bring a bit of that wild wonder into your own home, take a look at DennisNewsham.com. I offer a range of nature-inspired products featuring my original photography from New York City and beyond—including Palm Springs! From framed prints and puzzles to tea towels, coasters, lapel pins, and more, there’s something for every nature lover.
Let the wild into your home—one print, pin, or puzzle at a time.
So, to those reading this: take the trip. Call the friend. Step outside and look around. You never know what beauty, what joy, or what connection you might find waiting for you just around the corner.