Have You Hugged A Vulture Today?

Well not literally of course but isn't he magnificent?

An Early Morning Visitor

You know it is going to be a good day when the neighbourhood 'kitty' pays you a visit. You do have to be quick with the camera though, hence the slightly cropped image :)

Sleeping Beauty

Whilst wandering around the yard in the evening, I spotted this magnificent Desert Spiny Lizard sleeping safely wedged in the branches of a mesquite.

Advantages of the Monsoon Season - Part 3

Well I can't quiet believe this but a third rainy evening and a third different toad species! And this one is a behemoth - the biggest species in North America, the Sonoran Desert Toad, isn't he a beauty?

Advantages of the Monsoon Season - Part 2

Another little amphibian delight appeared after last nights rain, a Couch's Spadefoot. Amphibians in the desert are always such a treat.

Advantages of the Monsoon Season

When the evening rain storm passes all kinds of cool critters appear, like this beautiful Red-spotted Toad.

Meep-meep!

Not surprising these guys were the inspiration for a cartoon character, they are so goofy :)

Isn't He Lovely?

The shy Pyrrhuloxia is definitely one of my favorite visitors to the feeders.

King of the Cactii

The Barrel Cactus is wearing a magnificent crown.

Spines and Spears

Equally formidable, the Cholla's spines and the Thrashers beak.

You are cleared for landing

And ready for refueling!

Summer Bounty

If I had had a little time I would have been harvesting the Prickly Pear fruit but sadly it was not to be. However I can take consolation in knowing that the fruit will not go to waste as there are many appreciative animals around to reap this plentiful harvest.

Meet Stumpy

Our beautiful resident Gopher Snake. She does a regular, thorough round of our patio to check for trespassers


Before slipping into her favourite hiding spot under the steps to keep a look-out. Pack-rats beware!


And why Stumpy? She has an old injury on the tip of her tail. I was a little concerned but it does seem to be healed and dry.

Steppin' Out

Gambel's Quail on the run.

Ophidian Beauty

We were having a desk delivered but because nothing is that simple in life it wouldn't fit through the door so we had to take the insect screen off and bring it in through the window. Before we popped the screen back in, this little beauty decided to pay us a visit and was duly spotted half way through the window. After having ascertained that I wasn't dealing with a rattlesnake, I donned very thick gloves and lifted him gently down. When it became apparent that he wasn't the remotest bit interested in biting me I dispensed with the gloves and indulged in some photos before releasing him carefully back into the yard. So thrilled - a snake at last :)

An Evening Visitor

At least this one stayed outside on the wall of the yard.

Cholla Flower

Best to look but not touch :)

How You Feelin'?

Hot, hot, hot!
In this weather it is important to keep well hydrated.

Mr and Mrs

Cuddling quails sitting in the sun.

A Shy Visitor

It has taken me a long time to finally catch a photo of the Round-tailed Ground Squirrel


Looking at her belly, I think this little one has just had or is about to have, some babies.