Every few years, the valleys surrounding Tucson will receive a gentle dusting of snow. Once in a blue moon, however, snow will actually accumulate, turning this normally hot/dry desert into a winter wonderland. I was extremely fortunate to witness this aberration within 2 months of living here. This photo even managed to capture a few falling snowflakes. Saguaro National Park West.
Stillness is not a time or place. It does not come from any external situation. Stillness is a state of mind, a place of joy and peace. Over the last few years, it has become the most important intention within my life (and a grand struggle, you can be assured). This stunning hooded merganser drake, floating peacefully across the serene water is (at these moments, anyway) the embodiment of stillness to me. What thoughts or images come to mind when you imagine stillness? Tucson, AZ.
Clouds engulf the sky and there is a powerful energy in the air as the winds intensify, drawing in the storm. Saguaro NP West, AZ.
This beautiful snail was content to hang out and nibble on the delicious lichens while being photographed. SE Arizona.
This popular rock-climbing area rarely has water and almost never offers stunning waterfalls! Catalina Mountains, AZ.
In the cool early-morning air a hover fly rests at the pinnacle of a wildflower leaf. Winfield, PA.
This large, dramatic lizard reaches the western extent of it’s range in SE Arizona. Meet the Texas Horned Lizard!
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! Rocky Mountain Nat Park, CO.
After gobbling down some aphids, this beautiful ladybug rests atop a wildflower leaf. Winfield, PA, USA.
Regardless of species, male tarantulas have it rough. Upon reaching adulthood, they have a very short window in which to manically seek out a mate before promptly dying. Sometimes, the female eats the boy during or promptly after courtship, making his short life even shorter. San Simon, AZ.
After a baby coatimundi nipped at my backpack, I politely chastised him/her and the youngster migrated to nearby rock. The baby was soon joined by several family members, nearly too close to pictures!
This young green treefrog was barely over an inch long, and I discovered him/her sitting on a palmetto at the edge of my campsite. Photo taken at Stephen Foster State Park, GA, USA.
Toad lilies bloom rather late in the year. This one didn’t even start to open it’s mesmerizing flowers until the last days of September. Although I’m always a tad biased against non-native plants, this Japanese perennial is a lovely shade-tolerant plant which offers beauty when many others are going to seed. Photo taken in Winfield, PA, USA.
My companion and I spent hours watching these quirky creatures. They really are endless entertainment! Shelter Cove. CA.
This is my absolute favorite waterfall on Rickett’s Glen State Park’s (PA) Fall’s Trail. Many of the other waterfalls are more intricate, but something about the setting of Tuscarora Falls reminds me of something from a fairy tale.
Vermilion flycatchers specialize in catching flying insects “on the wing,” often returning to the same favored perch sites. Tucson, AZ.
Although short-lived, a mass cicada emergence spells a feast for any number of birds and reptiles in the Sonoran Desert. This Western Cicada was hanging on a gate at the end of my backyard hiking trail.
A large part of coati play-time includes wrestling! Sometimes the youngsters really surprise and frustrate each-other with the endless antics.
These ground squirrel siblings, although appearing quite sweet, will take any measures to literally steal food from another’s mouth. Tucson, AZ, USA.
This enormous zebra-tailed lizard had an even bigger ego. Upon my approach for a close shot, rather than fleeing, this brazen lizard decided to make a territorial display. He looks rather human in this shot. Saguaro NP East, AZ.