Verna and Bob's Weblog

Critters

Wascally Wabbit

Wascally Wabbit

Earlier in the week, Verna and I planted a small cactus in the rock and cactus garden. The cactus had been growing in a small pot on the patio and it was time to put it in the ground.

Not long after the cactus was out there, we noticed that something had been nibbling at the paddles. We suspected rabbits, squirrels and possibly jackrabbits.

I went out in the courtyard today to photograph a large sunspot. After I finished that, I wanted to take some pictures of whatever showed up. Sure enough, a large black tailed jackrabbit hopped into the area where the cactus was and took nibbles from it. I got this shot from the courtyard about fifteen yards from where the jack paused when it noticed me.

In the foreground of the photo, you may be able to see the victimized cactus, albeit a bit out of focus. Click on the image to enlarge.

March 26, 2015 by Arizona Critters Home & Garden Photography

Cabela Jumps for Joy

Cabela Jumps for Joy

When the Mama starts fixing breakfast for me and Bay Bay, I get so excited that I jump up and down until the Mama brings the bowls to us. I also jump when I am excited about going out, coming in, getting a treat or just about anything when I’m about to get what I want.

The Daddy took this picture of me when I was up in the air this morning. Click on me to make me big.

March 24, 2015 by Arizona Critters Family Photography

Thrasher Nest’s Natural Defenses

Cactus Nest

For the third year in a row (that we know of), the curve billed thrashers have built a nest in the buckhorn cholla cactus in front of our house. We discovered three eggs in the nest a few days ago.

The nest is in the inhospitable-looking cholla cactus, buried deeply between the branches of sharp needles. Egg predators like snakes and rodents are severely handicapped by the harsh spines. That, and we have personally seen thrashers defend their territory by attacking a gopher snake in our yard, running it off by pecking at its tail as it slithers off to the desert underbrush.

I took this photo today holding the camera above the cholla and pointing it down toward the cup-shaped nest embedded below the needles. Click on the image to enlarge.

March 18, 2015 by Arizona Critters Photography

Echinocereus Pollinator

Echinocereus Pollinator

The hedgehog cactus out front is in bloom. The bees are taking advantage of that fact by browsing the colorful flowers. Click on the image to enlarge flower and bee.

I managed this shot from about 20 feet away from the cactus with the Canon SL1 using the 75-300mm telephoto lens. F7, ISO 100, 1/500 exposure, 300mm focal length. I sure like my new camera.

March 16, 2015 by Arizona Critters Flowers Home & Garden Photography

New Friend at the Dog Park

New Friend

This is Bay Bay and Cabela meeting and greeting “Cha Cha” who is a rare brown and white Boston terrier. Cha Cha was in the small part of the Wickenburg Dog Park just on the other side of the chain link fence from where our dogs were romping.

Cha Cha’s mom and dad are snowbirds from British Columbia who will be going home this weekend since the weather there is almost livable now that spring has sprung. We expect many more snowbirds to depart between now and Memorial Day, when our town’s roads and facilities will be more to our liking due to the decreased population in the late spring, summer and early fall.

Both of our dogs love the dog park and had a very good time today. Bay Bay got into the tub, as usual, and Cabela romped and sniffed and did whatever she wanted until it was time to go home.

March 13, 2015 by Critters Family Retirement

Beethoven is Five Years Old Today

Bay Bay at Five

The Mama and the Daddy tell me that I am five years old today. I have been with them for about three and a half years now since they adopted me. I still am a happy boy and I love it here. We go to the dog park, go for walks, play, eat and sleep.

I slept on the Daddy’s lap yesterday while he watched the TV. I sleep with the Mama at night until it’s time for the Daddy to take me and Cabela for a walk in the morning. The Daddy took this picture of me for my birthday. Click to make me big.

March 2, 2015 by Critters Family

Avalon 1998

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