Chiricahua Sunset

Nearing the last 1/3 of a 10 mile hike, I came upon a sign for “Inspiration Rock.” Despite my knee’s excruciating pain and with sunset quickly advancing, I suspected that something named “inspiration” on one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever traversed had to be worth a looksy. This was the best decision I’ve made in ages. Enjoying a nearly 360 degree view littered with hoodoos and other brilliant rock structures, completely alone in the Chiricahua wilderness was worth any bonus knee pain. This little-known national monument is a must-visit, not just for landscape lovers, but also it’s array of unique bird and reptile life.

Claret Cups

These beautiful, tiny cacti are considered “hedgehogs.” This species often thrives in steep, rocky habitats. Box Canyon, AZ.

Claws for Digging

Ironically, coatis are just at home in the trees as on the ground. Their powerful claws as equally effective regardless of terrain!

Click Beetles

An emerald click beetle occupies the foreground while a number of other insects enjoy the riches of this yellow-eyed susan. Madera Canyon, AZ.

Coati Tree

A very large coatimundi sleeping atop a lopped tree. The forest setting was downright magical! Madera Canyon, AZ.

Coatis at Play

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!

Common Yellowthroat

This is one of my favorite warblers! Meet the common yellowthroat. These tiny songbirds thrive in brushy wetland areas, spending their time hopping around and picking off small insects. It was a delightful surprise to encounter him in the middle of winter. Tucson, AZ.

Coral Fungus

The aptly-named coral fungus stands proudly amidst a sea of sphagnum. Bald Eagle Forest, PA.

Cormorants and Catfish

One of these neotropic cormorants snagged a catfish that was entirely too big to be swallowed in one try. Naturally, this drew the attention of a second cormorant who was able to steal the catch. This, of course, attracted a third and forth cormorant to the scene. By the time one of the birds finally managed to swallow the very dead fish, it had passed between 6 different cormorants over the course of nearly two minutes and amidst much splashing, flailing, and biting. Gilbert, AZ, USA.

Cottonwood Mask

On this windy day, the colorful cottonwood leaves kept blowing in front of the owl’s face. This fearsome great-horned owl sat only 10 or so feet above the ground at a city park.

Cottonwood Stag

A stunning cottonwood stag beetle as seen from above. Portal, AZ.

Coyote

Being such intelligent and adaptable creatures, I have an enormous amount of respect for coyotes. They are very quick to adjust their habits based on environmental changes, as well as human development. These canines eat a wide variety of food items, including mammals, reptiles, birds, fruit, and even vegetable matter. Not only are they prevalent throughout the desert, but coyotes thrive in the middle of large cities.  Picture Rocks, AZ.

Crab Spider

A tiny northern crab spider awaits prey from a stalk of the aforementioned goldenrod plant. Photo taken in Winfield, PA, USA.

Cracked Mud

These seasonal wetlands become dry and barren during the spring and early summer. Willcox, AZ.

Crane Silhouettes

Introducing the winner of Nat Geo Yourshot’s “Photo of the Day.” Silhouetted by the setting sun, a flock of sandhill cranes moves to their roosting spots for the night. Willcox, AZ, USA.

Dapper Drake

Well, aren’t you a dapper drake, Mr Merganser! When living in PA, I can’t even venture a guess at the number of hours I spent in the freezing cold, sitting in bird blinds at Montour Preserve just as the ice was beginning to thaw. I saw many stunning hooded mergansers but these spectacular ducks always kept their distance. They really are one of, if not my all time favorite species! With that in mind, ya’ll can imagine the excitement when this handsome fellow shows up at a beautiful park just outside of Tucson! He was entirely unphased by humans and put on a number of wonderful shows during my 3 visits. Thank you so very much, Mr Merganser! Tucson, AZ

Desert Blooms

The generous monsoons of 2021 inspired the emergence of untold numbers of wildflowers! Chiricahua Monument, AZ.

Desert Falls

This area hasn’t experienced such rapids for many years and may not again for many to come. Saguaro Nat. Park, AZ.

Desert King

The desert kingsnake won’t hesitate to eat rodents, lizards, small birds, and even rattlesnakes. This truly is the desert king! Catalina Foothills, AZ.

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Desert Spiny Lizard

Not unlike humans, the male gender of many lizard species are rather territorial. One of the many ways that some lizards (such as this Desert Spiny Lizard) show their bravado is by performing territorial “push-ups.” This fellow’s brazen masculinity (combined with the palo verde flowers) made for an excellent photo op! Tucson, AZ, USA.

Desert Storm

As the storm builds, bolts of lightning pierce the sky. This spectacle unifies with the hint of sunset struggling to show itself through the thick cloud cover. Saguaro National Park West, AZ.

Dew Droplets

This “super-macro” photograph depicts tiny dew drops covering a small spider web. The silk of the web was so fine that, even at this level of magnification, it can’t be seen. Photo taken in Loyalsock State Forest, PA, USA.

Dinosaur Hopper

In addition to “great crested,” this large grasshopper is commonly known as the “dinosaur grasshopper.” I can see the likeness.
SE Arizona.

Dramatic Dragon

This dragonfly chose a perch with a beautiful background of duckweed, resulting in the stunning deep green. Tucson, AZ.