September 12, 2019 by kritterspaw

Late Arrival

I was just talking about the animals fattening up for the winter.. https://kritterspix.com/category/pix/

I know, it may not seem like winter just yet, particularly for those in Phoenix. But it was 39F here this morning… so winter is coming.

Yet, somehow, we got our first little visitor. Usually the babies show up in June – not September. This scrawny little fawn, still with her spots, made a brief appearance.

She’s got a steep learning curve ahead of her, and a lot to learn in a short time. Not to mention that she needs to put more fat on her little bones!

Momma, you hear that. Bring her back for a visit more often. We’ll do our part. : )

January 1, 2019January 1, 2019 by kritterspaw

A Whoosh and a Tale

Uncategorized
animals, baby animals, buck, cougar, deer, lion, mountain lion, snow, wildlife, winter
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We got about 8 inches of snow out of this last storm. I am loving the beautiful fresh fallen snow on the trees.. and this sweet deer taking it all in.

Then… in a Whoosh, 1/100th of a second later, to be exact. From right behind the tree came quite a surprise to me… and this lucky deer.

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OMG! What the HECK was THAT?!?!

In a flash, this mountain lion thought he had dinner. But in just a matter of minutes, he was back empty-pawed.

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Dejected and hungry, he left the scene of the near miss, not to be seen again.

The deer have since been back… but are a lot more cautious and alert.

It was the first mountain lion I have EVER seen in the wild. I felt so fortunate to get a shot of it. As it was… I was looking through my viewfinder when it happened…. and it was over in less than a blink of an eye. Life happens quickly, it pays to know your path and be prepared.

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October 5, 2018October 5, 2018 by kritterspaw

Grand Canyon North Rim

It’s true that the South Rim is closer than the North Rim… by a bunch! But, give me the North Rim any day. The views are better, and the crowds less (that by itself is reason enough).

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We enjoyed the many overlooks and stunning views along the way.

The aspen leaves were turning and the fall colors were stunning. The roads and the hillsides were covered with their golden hue.

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You can see more of my Grand Canyon photos here… https://kritterspix.com/2018/10/05/grand-canyon-north-rim-bright-angel-point/ and here … https://kritterspix.com/2018/10/05/grand-canyon-north-rim-point-sublime/

June 24, 2018 by kritterspaw

Hutch Mountain

Travel
arizona, az, deer, flagstaff, historic, hutch mountain, lookout tower, northern az, tower, wildlife
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hutch lo far_IR.jpg Hutch Mountain Lookout tower is one of many throughout Arizona. It is on the National Historic Lookout Registry. It was built in 1936, and still serves as a manned major viewpoint for fires in the Flagstaff area. Located off of FR3 (Lake Mary Road) at Milepost 310, not too far down a couple good dirt roads.

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The day we were there there were 9 fires in the area, all started by dry lightening, including the Tank Fire. The Tank Fire was in the very same area as the Tinder Fire which devastated our neighborhoods just a month before. As an eery reminder of those terrifying days, our neighboring subdivisions CCP 1&2 were issued pre-evacuation notices. Fortunately, the fire was quickly doused and completely contained.

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From the top of the tower you could see the Chinooks flying on the horizon dumping water of the fire.

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The surrounding landscape is full of Ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, elk and deer.

At 8535 feet elevation the days are cool, and nights brisk. Climbing the tower offers a vantage point across northern AZ.

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February 21, 2018February 21, 2018 by kritterspaw

Buck Personality

Uncategorized
animals, az, buck, buck close, deer, personality, wildlife
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The more I study the animals, the more I am convinced that they each have their own personality. The males of the species are much more spooky, while the females are more docile.

We caught this nice little buck enjoying the day after a recent snow storm. He was soaking up the snow looking for food and water.

He seemed very content, and not in a hurry to get anywhere…. and I was happy to watch him and take it in.

December 9, 2017December 9, 2017 by kritterspaw

Deer Level

Uncategorized
animals, baby, baby deer, deer, deer family, doe, fawn, mom, wildlife
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curious fawn_IR.jpg

They say that some of the best photos are taken from your subject’s perspective. So if you are taking photos of a child or pets… to do it from their low vantage point. It brings more story telling to the photograph, seeing the world from their eyes.

One of my recent favorite subjects are these baby deer I keep seeing. There must be 4 families, with one mom and one baby each. Sometimes I see them all at once… sometimes only one at a time.

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However I see them, it’s always a treat, and something I never tire of. The little fawns are each different. Some more playful, some more timid… some more scrawny, some more filled out.

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Mom is ever watchful and protective of their new little ones, and quick to sense danger. It has been fun to watch their behavior and individual traits.

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For more deer photos see my photo … here.

October 28, 2017October 28, 2017 by kritterspaw

Spots

Uncategorized
baby deer, buck, deer, doe, family, fawn, little one, mom and baby deer, spots, wildlife
2 Comments

mom kisses_IR.jpg

We saw our first fawn, and I posted the photos here.

Since then we have had several sightings of different families. It has been an enormous treat to see these precious baby deer.

Mom is still very protective and constantly checking on her little ones. It’s so awesome to watch.

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I can tell one family that comes by, as dad is still hanging out with them… usually waiting in the wings ever watchful.

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buck back_IR.jpg

January 30, 2017 by kritterspaw

Snow Birds

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arizona, az, blue jay, deer, elk, flicker, red head, snow, snow animals, snow birds, wildlife, winter, woodpecker
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coldflicker cloPSi.JPG

We recently had a wave of 3 snow storms which all together yielded about 2′ of snow. The birds huddled under branches to keep out of the intense snow blasting sideways with the strong winds. You can see more of my Snow Animals on my photo blog…. here.

The drifts piled high where the winds swept them against trees and boulders. But it didn’t deter the big animals from trudging through. We saw more than one limping as a result of tripping over unseen rocks and uneven terrain.

It amazes me the treks these animals must take on a daily basis going from hither to yon incessantly. It’s a tough life in these mountains and woods with their treacherous inclines and rough canyons.

January 14, 2017 by kritterspaw

The Bucks are in

For whatever reason, we have seen multiple bucks (male deer) in the last couple days. These little guys are pretty young bucks… and looking to ‘hang’ with the does.

Whatever the reason, we enjoy seeing them and watching them interact.

April 28, 2016 by kritterspaw

April Showers bring Snow

What’s with this weather? Just when you think it’s time to plant tulips… or at least a garden; take off the long underwear and bring the shorts and t-shirts out of storage… NOT.

We got SNOW!

Ok, it’s true. It didn’t come down for very long… or very much. But come down it did. In a downpour of fine snow mist it raced across the sky, as if in a hurry to get somewhere else. It didn’t stick, or stay long. It was here and then it was gone. Glad I stuck my camera outside to capture it’s fleeting coldness.

This little buck got caught in a wave of it, and the cross hairs of my camera lens.

While Phoenix is getting 90F days, we are getting snow storms. Go figure. You never know what the day will bring here on the mountain.