Verna and Bob's Weblog

Photography

Bird Feeders

This morning, I went up on the little hill behind the RV Drive to replenish the various birdseed feeders we have up there. The feeders attract birds and other wildlife to the small area of natural, unimproved desert. We enjoy seeing the varieties of critters that come around.

Whilst on the hill after the replenishments, I took photos of our feeders with the Camera Phone*. These are listed below along with the photos.

First up is the “Pagoda;” it hangs in the mesquite tree up on the hill:

Next, is the “Rotunda” which also hangs in the mesquite with an elongated “S” hook on one of the branches:

Our biggest bird feeder is the “Bird Church” hanging in the same tree from a short “S” hook:

The Nyjer Seed Feeders hang from a double crook toward the front (house side) of the hill:

Finally, the Seed Wheel, the Block and the Bell feeders are on another crook a bit further back from the house”

Click on any image to enlarge.

*The phone camera is a Samsung S23.

February 16, 2025 by Arizona Critters Photography Retirement 0

Antelope Squirrel

The complete name of this species is “White Tailed Antelope Ground Squirrel” (Ammospermophilus leucrus). I took this photo early today; the squirrel was going up the little hill on the west side of the property.

Several of the squirrels that hang around the yard have learned to approach us so they can get a reward — an almond (I carry several raw almonds in a pocket when outdoors). The squirrels will grab the nut and run off to their lair with it.

More squirrel stuff from NPS:

White tailed antelope ground squirrels Ammospermophilus leucrus are small in size and are sometimes confused with chipmunks. They are approximately 7.5 inches long from head to the tip of the tail and they weigh on average about 3.7 ounces. They also carry their food in pouches in the cheek. The female of this species has ten mammae, which is more than other antelope ground squirrel species, which have four to seven. Their range is the Great Basin to Baja California including parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Utah and Oregon.

Click on the image to view enlarged.

February 8, 2025 by Arizona Critters Photography 0

More Bird Photos

First up is a female Cardinal perched in the mesquite tree by the bird feeders:

Next is a pair of sparrows on one of the feeders:

Let us not forget the ever-present Gambel’s Quail that are often seen, but extremely camera shy. This Male was enjoying some of the bird block in the feeder area this morning.

And, finally, is a desert bird that I don’t recognize as a regular around these parts – bigger than a sparrow, but smaller than a thrasher:

Click on any image to open the viewer.

February 5, 2025 by Arizona Critters Home & Garden Photography 0

Sliver Moon

After the new moon phase Wednesday (01/29/2024), I managed to get this photo of first lunar light in the waxing crescent phase just after sunset last night. The first quarter Moon is about a week away when it looks as it does in the image above — just a tiny “sliver” of light visible.

My camera is a Canon EOS Rebel SL3 using a Canon EF 55-250mm zoom lens set to 250mm focal length. Click on the image to open the viewer.

January 31, 2025 by Astronomy Nerdliness Photography 0

Hail!

Around 3PM this afternoon (Monday, January 27th, 2025), we had a significant quantity of hail fall here in Wickenburg. The hailstones were not more than ¼ inch in diameter and covered the ground like it might have been snowing.

This (clickable) photo is looking toward the west with what looks like a fresh snow, but is only hail and rain which dissipated quickly since the temperature was well above freezing. I used my new SL3 Canon to take the picture.

We are forecast to possibly have more rain going into this week, with clearing next weekend. We have never seen this accumulation of hail since we’ve been here over the last 15 years. Global Warming or “Climate Change,” my A$$.

January 27, 2025 by Arizona Climate Photography 0

It’s Tucker

Here I am posing for the Daddy’s Cameraphone with one of my play balls. This green one is almost too big for me to pick up, but I can do it anyway. The game I want the Daddy to play is “keep away,” where I growl and then run away with the ball. Sometimes I drop the ball and the Daddy throws it so I can chase it. And then play keep away some more.

I am almost four years old, I weigh about 12 pounds (5.4kg) and I am about 16 inches (40.6cm) long, not counting my tail. I look cuddly ’cause I am.

Clickable Image.

January 21, 2025 by Critters Family Photography

Avalon 1998

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