Pix | kritterspix

Antelope Watching

Posted on February 21, 2015 by kritterspaw

There’s something super cool about going to the market in Flagstaff, and running into so many animals. Eagles seem to becoming a more common sighting; elk and deer are certainly common. But it’s more unusual to see pronghorn antelope. We see them occasionally, but less often on the way to Flagstaff (more often on the way to Winslow). We saw quite the herd this week. They were kind enough to pose for me. Someday, I’ll get up close and personal and get closer pix… until then, I was happy to have the sighting… and get a pic.

Red Heads

Posted on February 14, 2015 by kritterspaw

I spotted these birds the other day in the midst of our rain storm. They seem to come by when the weather is cold and adverse, particularly mornings and some occasional evenings. We don’t see them on the sun shiny days, nor on a regular basis.

I’m struggling to figure out who they are. I have searched my bird book, and the closest I can come to discerning their species, is a Cassin’s Finch.

Yet it seems awfully cold and off season for finch, but maybe not for this variety, which I have never seen before now. Anyone have any idea what they are?

Workmen’s Creek

Posted on February 4, 2015February 4, 2015 by kritterspaw

Workmen’s Creek is on the other side of Young, AZ. It can be driven to via a long well kept dirt road past Young, off of SR260, or via the longer route past Roosevelt Lake off SR87.

The road to the falls was closed, so we wound up hiking along the closed road the relatively short distance.

It’s certainly worth the short walk. It was very picturesque and peaceful with the running water and babbling brook atmosphere. The rushing creek made for a pleasant place to have a quiet lunch amongst the trees and the cascading water.

Havasu Balloon Festival

Posted on January 22, 2015January 22, 2015 by kritterspaw

Havasu Balloon Festival may not be Albuquerque Balloon Festival, but it was a great experience nonetheless. There were reported to be about 80 balloons altogether. They did morning launches, and evening night glows. The mass ascensions (morning launch) were certainly not as massive as Albuquerque, but it was cool all the same.

We loved the night glows. While they were difficult to get photos of in the darkness… then brief glowing burn, I learned a lot what to do, and not to do.

… and the balloon dipping in the water outside the London Bridge made an awesome view.

Check out my other post on kritterspaw.com

Pygmy Owl

Posted on January 7, 2015January 7, 2015 by kritterspaw

I put this photo on my kritterspaw.com site, but it bears repeating.

We saw what we thought was a little bird, huddled up on a branch. It seemed roundish, as it shivered and squatted itself all together during our snow storm. Then it turned and looked at me. I couldn’t believe it. It had that unmistakable face… it was an owl. It wasn’t much bigger than a sparrow… maybe 4 – 5″ tall.

How cool is that!

Apparently it’s a Pygmy Owl. To be specific, a Northern Pygmy Owl. The most common one I could find (in AZ) is from southern AZ (Tucson area). It has been on and off the endangered species list, with only 28 sightings in 2014…. none noted to be in Northern AZ. It’s no wonder really… they are so small.

The pygmy owl eats insects, lizards, rodents, and small birds as large as itself.

I’d love for it to come back, but it may be a once in a life time sighting. I’m so happy we saw it… and got a decent photo!

She’s a FOX

Posted on January 7, 2015 by kritterspaw

On our way to Grand Falls, we saw this great little fox. It was getting toward dusk, and she was looking for a warm spot to soak up what was left of the sun outside of the snow.

Grand Falls in the snow

Posted on January 7, 2015 by kritterspaw

We just had this big snow storm, so we thought we take a trip out to Grand Falls to see if the falls were running. It was good news – bad news. The falls weren’t really running… but they were frozen over and snowy, so they were pretty cool to look at.

Unfortunately, we missed the perfect lighting. We thought we left in plenty of time to get there, but the shadows were already consuming the falls, making it difficult to catch good light. Thus, our pictures were limited. But we did get a couple shots. We’ll just have to go back when there is more water / snow, and earlier with better light. Next time.

Snow animals

Posted on January 2, 2015January 2, 2015 by kritterspaw

What is it about the snow, that brings the animals out?

We got dumped on… about 15 – 18″ in the course of a couple of days. It was beautiful.

The animals were literally knee deep in it.

It coated the trees against a blue haze in the overcast snowy skies. It was super cool!

I never thought I’d like snow, but I find myself wishing for it, so I can go out and capture it’s many different faces.

Rock Art Ranch

Posted on December 23, 2014December 23, 2014 by kritterspaw

We just did this interesting trek to a historic western past via Rock Art Ranch, east of Winslow.

Check out my post on kritterspaw.com

Aside from a great history, cool old buildings and artifacts… it’s got petroglyphs, and lots of them.

Pretty cool!

First Snow

Posted on December 19, 2014 by kritterspaw

There is something magical about the first snow fall. I used to hate snow. It’s just too darn cold. That was, until I learned to appreciate it for it’s beauty. It’s so pristine, with it’s virgin white clumps adhering to tall majestic pines; piles lay in the road with nothing more than road tracks or animal prints. It’s breathtaking to behold. So I wanted to capture it’s amazing beauty.

I can’t wait for the next snow fall. I want to go out again!