Mammals

Coatis at Play

Over the course of nearly 2 months, I have been visiting a remote valley to watch a troop of coatimundis. I spent untold hours (sometimes from dawn until dusk) watching them play, forage, and explore this valley. After some time, I became familiar with different individuals and their unique quirks. Upon locating the troop (their path of destruction is unmistakable), I would sit some distance away at a relatively exposed location with little sound or movement. During one particular foray, the troop moved progressively closer until the 20ish members (mostly juveniles) were foraging on all sides, digging for food. A youngster actually nipped my backpack strap before migrating to a rock only 3 meters away and watched this strange, hairless animal. Moments later, the matriarch of the troop (who I've affectionately named "Callie" for a cowlick on her back) joined the baby, soon followed by several more coatimundis. They alternately groomed and played atop the rock with even the adults partaking. After only a couple minutes, the group dispersed, returning to foraging. It's rare to have such a special moment nearly too close to photograph! Cochise County, AZ.
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Butting Heads

These two young bulls were vigorously tussling for quite some time. The late afternoon sunlight and periodic dust clouds made for some spectacular photo-ops! Yellowstone National Park, WY.
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Woodland Wrestling

A large part of coati play-time includes wrestling! Sometimes the youngsters really surprise and frustrate each-other with the endless antics. Over the course of nearly 2 months, I have been visiting a remote valley to watch a troop of coatimundis. I spent untold hours (sometimes from dawn until dusk) watching them play, forage, and explore this valley. After some time, I became familiar with different individuals and their unique quirks. Upon locating the troop (their path of destruction is unmistakable), I would sit some distance away at a relatively exposed location with little sound or movement.
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Mountain Goat

A stunning mountain goat crosses a snow drift before disappearing down the sheer side of a mountain face. What a magical creature! Although native to much of the Northern Rockies, mountain goats have recently been introduced to the Colorado rockies. They have since thrived at the higher elevations, but seem to be putting stress on neighboring bighorn sheep. Mountain goats tend to be more territorial, but climate change may be enough to hinder their habitat advance. It will be interesting to see how this drama plays out.
Mt. Evans, CO.
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Welcome to Yellowstone

One of the most iconic scenes in Yellowstone National Park, this powerful bison forages amidst his beautiful home.
Bison are a conservation success story. As a result of excessive hunting and with the intent of starving out the American Indians who depended on bison, this powerful creature was all-but extinct by the mid - 1800's. Years later, a wealthy hunter began an initiative to restore the herds. This initiative has since been improved upon and adopted by a number of bison advocates. Today, Yellowstone National Park, alone, houses approximately 5000 of these mighty creatures.
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The Dawn Moose

Almost immediately after I arrived at a well-known wildlife viewing area, this moose sauntered down the hill to join his companion. The early morning backlight created a stunning scene! During Autumn rut and the romantic breeding season that follows, moose are obscenely territorial, especially among other male moose.
This aggression tends to be forgotten during spring and summer, when their antlers are still growing and ladies are not yet in the picture. Rocky Mountain Nat Park, CO.
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Prairie Play

These adorable creatures were hilarious to watch! In this case, play consisted of one youngster tackling his / her sibling. Prairie dogs have a complex system of communication that involves different volumes and frequency of squeaks, in addition to jumps and countless other postures that we're just beginning to understand. Rocky Mountain Arsenal, CO.
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Badger in the Sunset

Just as the sun is setting behind her, mother badger peers out of her den. On my last day in Yellowstone National Park, I was driving by the site of a well-known badger den just as the morning sun began to flirt with the entrance. Having spent 14 hours watching this den on the previous day, I opted to make one last attempt at badger-watching. Soon after setting up the tripod, mama badger emerged! She assessed the surroundings for danger and her babies were quick to join! They basked in the warmth while occasionally climbing atop one-another for nearly an hour. Mother eventually departed to hunt while the youngsters returned to the depths of their subterranean lair.
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Horses in a Haboob

Throughout the Southwestern US, there are several populations of wild horses. These majestic creatures are the descendants of releases from the early 1900's. This particular photo features a herd that roams the Tonto National Forest's Lower Salt River.
While watching these beautiful wild horses, a small haboob (dust storm) engulfed the valley. The camera gear was very displeased, and my skin was covered in layers of grime, but it was well worth the filth! Lower Salt River, AZ.
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Cat on the Prowl

This young bobcat was one of last year's kittens from an older female that has been visiting this location for years. Watching him / her slowly grow and learn to hunt has been a beautiful experience akin to watching a child grow and slowly mature into a charismatic young adult. Hopefully, this cat will one day have his / her own shy, adorable kittens! Tucson, AZ.

This is an extreme limited-edition, with only 23 / 25 prints of this image available. For ordering info, please contact me directly.

Wildcat Halo

As she walked toward me, this bobcat was beautifully backlight by the late-afternoon sun. It was as if she were surrounded by a halo. In addition to their beauty and mysterious nature, bobcats are magnificent pest control! One cat will consume many rodents in a single day. Bobcats are even known to consume rattlesnakes from time-to-time.
We need these beautiful creatures to maintain healthy ecosystems and prevent rodent-born diseases. Please refrain from hunting or trapping, and never use rodent poison, as it will kill these beautiful creatures, as well as hawks and owls.
Tucson, AZ.

This is an extreme limited-edition, with only 25 prints of this image that will ever be made. For ordering info, please contact me directly.

Trio of Seals

My companion and I spent hours watching these quirky creatures. They really are endless entertainment! Shelter Cove. CA.
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Red Fox

My absolute favorite picture from the entire Grand Teton / Yellowstone trip!
This red fox was a truly perfect photo subject, both for it's charm, the setting, and perfect filtered light! Surviving on a diet that includes rodents and other small animals, as well as insects, berries, plants, and carrion, foxes are obscenely adaptable creatures.
They have learned to thrive in just about every habitat, worldwide. In addition to their stunning appearance, we should be thankful for the wonderful rodent control these elegant creatures provide! Grand Teton NP, WY.
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Charming Chipmunks

Seemingly accustomed to free food, these adorable creatures had no reservations in approaching strangers. They couldn't have chosen a more captivating vista as foraging ground! Zion NP, UT.
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Peccary Piglings

Yes, they are really called "piglings," even though javelina aren't really pigs. These tiny cuties were frolicking among and eating the fallen palo verde blossoms. Javelina aka collared peccary have abysmal eyesight, but a brilliant sense of smell. Thanks to their vision deficit, behaviour can be unpredictable, especially when babies are in tow, so always respect the space of these bizarre desert dwellers!
Catalina Foothills, AZ.
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