Denis and I spent a few hours at the Phoenix Zoo at the beginning of December. The weather was perfect, the school children were out in force, and the animals were mostly content to snooze in the sun. I was able to see a few that I hadn't on previous visits, and I'm not just talking about the new Predator Passage exhibit.
Here are a few of the photos I took. Come with me for a wander 'round the zoo!
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| A California Condor's wingspan is incredible. The first time I ever saw this magnificent bird was looking up to see one soaring above the Grand Canyon. |
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| Like the Grand Canyon, a bald eagle is one of those photo ops that make you feel like a real photographer. |
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| Here's a little ringtail. |
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| Little burrowing owls are one of my favorites. They always appear so opinionated. |
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| A pair of chuckwallahs. |
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| I love the ruff on this Ruppell's Griffon vulture. |
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| The Ruppell's is another bird with an impressive wingspan. |
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| A bighorn sheep sun worshipper. |
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| A common plant here in the desert: rabbitbrush. Just looking at it makes me want to sneeze, but it's a staple of life for many desert dwelling animals. |
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| A snoozing tiger. |
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| Tigers and cheetahs are my favorite cats. |
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| There is always something in bloom here in the Sonoran Desert. |
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| Indu, the Asian elephant. |
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| Wgasa, the orangutan. |
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| A Baja fairy duster bloom for a little holiday spirit. |
Thanks for coming along. I hope you enjoyed your virtual wander. This week, Denis and I are planning to visit the Heard Museum. Something tells me I'd better stay out of the gift shop AND the book shop!
Oh, what beautiful photos although looking at the blooms is making my eyes water. Love the cheetahs, sheep, orang and all the other animals who are enjoying the sun.
ReplyDeleteI did a little basking myself.
DeleteOh, my, Cathy! I couldn't even tell you which photo I like the best - they're all so fabulous! I feel as though I'd been there just looking at them. I'm very glad you and Denis were able to go and enjoy a day out.
ReplyDeleteWe're going to a museum tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how busy it is, or if most people are out Christmas shopping.
DeleteThanks for sharing these! They're amazing photos. The burrowing owl one is my favorite, and the orangutan, too! :D
ReplyDeleteI love those little burrowing owls!
DeleteWe've had a Burrowing Owl in residence at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge on the Gulf Coast for a couple of years now. He's out of his usual range and so, of course, is a great attraction for birders. Love that orang picture!
ReplyDeleteWe had a streak-backed oriole hanging out here in the Valley for a couple of winters. I never did get a photo of it because I couldn't wade through the crowd watching it whenever it appeared (at the Gilbert Riparian Preserve).
DeleteGreat pictures - almost as good as getting to go myself!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed them, Kate.
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