wildlife | kritterspix

Babe in the Woods

Posted on July 20, 2020 by kritterspaw

The babies are back!

Our elk baby sightings have been fleeting since the Tinder Fire hit us two years ago now…. that is, until now.

I was so excited to see a herd of elk momma’s with babies in tow. Seeing their tired and beat up bodies, I wondered that their absence wasn’t so much the fire, as predators. One elk baby had a gash across her back that was bigger than she was. It’s amazing she survived whatever attacked her.

Watching their interactions and cute newness, was a real joy.

I hope they’ll be back, and bring their babies with. I can never get enough of these precious animals… they just make my heart feel good.

Snow Critters

Posted on December 4, 2019December 4, 2019 by kritterspaw

Moqui Snow_IR.jpg

This last storm met the predictions of the weathermen who projected 2′ of snow.

With it, brought animals looking for food.

It was great fun to see this little baby deer enjoying it’s first snow. It reminded me of Journey when we get snow, as she runs around and loves to ‘snorkel’ in it.

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There is something so pristine and beautiful about the new fallen snow… apparently the animals think so too.

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I suppose the cold white stuff is a novelty for them, something they don’t see often… so it’s new, fun, and refreshing as they walk through the cool stuff. Like a new toy, it’s invigorating and exciting. Whatever it is… it’s a pleasure to see happiness at any time or place. Bring it on.

Sunrise Snow_IR.jpg

Twin Fawns

Posted on October 6, 2019October 6, 2019 by kritterspaw

I wrote about the ‘Late Arrival’ of a small fawn with spots, our first we have seen of the year, back here… https://kritterspaw.com/2019/09/12/late-arrival/

That was month ago. Fast forward to this past week, first week of October, and we were entertained by these fantastic little cuties.

At first, I was delighted to see just one little spotted gem… then, came another; the spots along their back almost identical.

This precious couple laid down beside each other and cuddled and ‘fawned’ over one another like baby new borns.

They rested as their momma grazed, and relished in their environment and their natural surrounds.

It was such a tremendous joy and gift to see this special sight.

What a treat!

You Must Have A Good Camera

Posted on October 3, 2019October 3, 2019 by kritterspaw

People often ask me, “what kind of camera do you have?” Or my favorite statement, “you must have a good camera!”

It reminds me of a story I heard some time ago, about the photographer who goes to a gourmet chef’s house for dinner.

The well known published photographer shows up at the woman’s house for dinner. The home owner & chef goes on about how beautiful his photographs are and as she invites him in she adds, ” I love you photographs. You must have a great camera.”

After a lovely evening and an amazing gourmet meal, as the photographer is leaving, he tells the woman how wonderful the meal was, and in parting “you must have a great oven!”

The right camera gear is essential, skill… is priceless.

Bob

Posted on March 21, 2019March 22, 2019 by kritterspaw

Far Bob_IR.jpg

Sometimes, even when you’re not looking, you encounter the unexpected.

Such was the case when we stumbled across this scrawny bobcat wandering through the woods after a morning snowstorm, looking for supper.

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He reminded me of a friend who recently lost her beloved cat, Lucky. He was curious, intent, and full of life.

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I watched him hunt through the lens of my camera edging up to him ever so cautiously, trying to get as close as I dared. He was much more interested in catching supper, than he was in me.

Scrawny Bob_IR.jpg

I hope he finds peace, tranquility, and a fabulous supper.

Bob Lake_IR.jpg We felt lucky to cross paths.

Snow Elk

Posted on February 23, 2019February 23, 2019 by kritterspaw

We got quite the winter storm this week…. and I don’t know what it is, but storms always seem to bring the animals.

Of course, we are always delighted to see them. I always tell them… ‘I’ll make you famous’… if only they knew!

elk laff_IR.jpg

These poor little guys were hunkered down looking for warmth and food.

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Even the dry twigs seemed like tasty food for these guys who were rummaging through the snow looking for something to eat.

Of course, kids will be kids, and all they cared about was playing in the snow! Typical! : )

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You can check out more snow pix here… https://kritterspaw.com/2019/02/23/snow/

Twin Bucks

Posted on December 29, 2018January 17, 2019 by kritterspaw

We have been getting some much needed snow fall this week… just in time for Christmas. It’s hasn’t amounted to much accumulation, but we’ll take what we can get.

The snow has brought in this pair of twin bucks, who are just, pardon the pun, endeering.

They have brought a smaller little buck with them, and they seem to be hanging out together in their own little pack.

The little one has smaller antlers, but is definitely a new buck… and just as cute.

He seemed to be enjoying his first snow and the wonder of this cool white stuff dropping from the sky.

We so enjoyed their visit.

Best of Animals, 2018

Posted on December 27, 2018January 7, 2019 by kritterspaw

A year wouldn’t be complete without my wildlife photos that I strive so hard to capture. This year has been especially unique with some terrific ‘up-close-and-personal’ shots of a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, antelope, and big horn sheep. Picking the top shots is the hard part… what an awesome problem to have. : )

1. Antelope Greens Peak Loop near Show Low

2. Blue Heron Carneros Lake

3. Big Horn Sheep Greer, AZ

4. Mule Deer Grand Canyon South Rim

5. Mule Deer Grand Canyon North Rim

bison fight_IR.jpg 6. Bison Raymond Wilderness Area

7. Great White Egrets Happy Jack, AZ

8. Baby White Tail Deer Fawn Happy Jack, AZ

9. Bull Elk Happy Jack, AZ

pygmy on_IR.jpg 10. Pygmy Owl Happy Jack, AZ

Elk Profile

Posted on December 6, 2018December 6, 2018 by kritterspaw

I remember when I used to visit my husband’s folks in Morman Lake, AZ. They would be all excited to share ‘their’ elk with us. With a binoculars in hand, if you squinted real hard, you could see the little dots of elk crossing in front of the fire house, about 1/4 mile away.

John’s mom still remembers fondly how close they got to see the elk. I laugh.

If she had any idea of how close we see the elk today!

It’s A Boy

Posted on October 13, 2018November 16, 2018 by kritterspaw

If you remember a post I did a little while back about Pat’s Fawn (https://kritterspix.com/2018/09/17/pats-fawn/), we’ve been fortunate enough to see it a few times and kinda watch it grow up, which has been a real joy. It’s starting to loose it’s spots.

But it’s still playful and skittish… and wonderfully fun to watch. Mom still dotes on her… except, apparently it’s a him.

I caught a glimpse of a little bump on his head where his antlers will be soon.

We can still call him Spots though, right?!