Thompson 103. Carlsbad Caverns Trip (From Van Horn to the Caverns) April 21, 1931, 5:30AM - 9:30AM The trip lay across creosote desert to the base of the Guadalupe Mts. Many flowers were in bloom, especially a species of cruciferous like Sweet Alyssum which matted the desert floor, and had done so all the way from El Paso. Several Swainson ? Hawks were seen on posts from 6:00 o'clock on. Six Jack Rabbits & as many Cotton tails were seen. About 7 miles south of the Guadalupe cliffs, we came upon 2 Golden Eagles in the road who had just killed a jack rabbit, and they were eating it. It was still warm. One Eagle flew away as we approached. The other sat on the ground until we stopped within 20 ft. of it. Then it flew over behind a knoll about 1/4 mile away & did not return although we waited 15 minutes. This was at 8:00AM. But 2 Ravens immediately flew to the road about 3/6