Verna and Bob's Weblog

Critters

Nest in the Palo Verde

Nest in the Palo Verde

We discovered a bird nest in our little palo verde tree by the driveway down near the road. It might be a hummingbird or verdin or other small bird since the entrance to the nest is rather small. When we first started building our house here, we found a verdin nest in this tree.

We haven’t noticed any activity in this nest, having only noticed it a couple of weeks ago, probably after the nesting season for this year. Maybe the little bird will come back next time so we can watch what happens. Click on the image to enlarge.

June 24, 2016 by Arizona Critters Home & Garden Photography

Queen of the Night Flower Stalk

Queen of the Night Flower Stalk

This is one of three flower stalks currently growing on the native “Queen of the Night” (Peniocereus greggii) cactus up on the hill behind our house. The location of the cactus is unfortunate for us since it is a steep climb to get to the level where it is growing. Moreover, since these bloom exclusively at night, we won’t be able to see them open because 1) steep night time climb where no lighting exists, and 2) nocturnal critters like crotalus (rattlesnake), coyote, javelina and mountain lion can be present in our rural patch of desert.

I am going to try and keep an eye on this cactus in order to possibly catch a morning after photo or two before the flowers eventually fade. Wish me luck.

June 14, 2016 by Arizona Critters Flowers Photography

In The Tub at the Dog Park

In The Tub

The Mama and Daddy took Cabela and me to the dog park today because it will soon be to hot to go here in the summer. The Mama brought my tub into the park and filled it with water so I could splash around and get cool in the water.

After the swim in the tub, I ran and ran around the park without my leash until it was time to go home. We like the dog park. Click on me in the tub to make me big.

May 31, 2016 by Critters Family Photography

Five Years Ago

Bear

This was our “Bear” relaxing on the RV drive five years ago today. She had just received a trimming of her normally long fur which was too much for the desert heat. She was such a sweet dog and family member and we still miss her. Click on the image to enlarge.

May 26, 2016 by Arizona Critters Family Nostalgia

Leftover Lunch

Antelope Ground Squirrel

This tiny Antelope Ground Squirrel is enjoying some of the leftover polenta from our recent Pork Stew dinner. It is our habit to distribute certain leftover food to the wash out back so the critters can come and enjoy.

I took this photo this afternoon using my SL1 camera and telephoto lens. The squirrel came close to me, within about fifteen feet, to get the tidbit. The birds and rabbits are more wary than this little guy, and generally keep a larger distance between us and them. Click on the image to enlarge.

May 24, 2016 by Arizona Critters Home & Garden Photography

Juvenile Quail Spotted at the Bird Feeders

Juvenile Quail

We saw a brood of six to eight spring quail chicks with the parent pair up by the bird feeders on the little hill behind the RV Drive. These look scruffy as chicks, but will be molting into their mature feathers soon. Click on the image to enlarge.

Photo information:

Canon EOS REBEL SL1, 1/400 sec, F6.3, ISO 320, Canon Zoom Lens @ 300 mm

May 10, 2016 by Arizona Critters Photography

Avalon 1998

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