Water Attraction

For a desert state, one would never imagine how many lakes AZ has. The lakes are popular with the fisherman and those seeking recreational sports such as boats, kayak, paddle boating, canoes, and paddle boards.

Kayak rentals at Whitehorse Lake
Paddle boater enjoys early morning.

Of course we just love the sunset and sunrise views and reflections along the water.

Morning mist rises off lake
Sunrise at Dogtown Lake

We aren’t the only ones that enjoy the water and the lakes of AZ. We run into all sorts of wildlife that also goes to fish, play, and wander around the water and lush environment that the lakes bring.

Blue heron fishes at Whitehorse Lake in early morning light.

Blue heron’s fish for fish, crabs, frogs, or crawdads, while Canadian geese forage for aquatic vegetation and grasses.

Canadian Geese with baby goslings

While it’s unusual to find javelina at the lakes, we found a young javelina very content and happy with the environment. Who could blame him.

It’s that time of year for animals to be having their babies and bring them out to teach them to feed off the land. We watched osprey for hours fruitlessly fish to great frustration and tired wings. We never did see any of the young ones catch anything.

Osprey sits on nest
Osprey hovers overhead looking for fish
Tent camping at Whitehorse Lake

Any day at the lake is a good day, made only better with great sunrise / sunsets, and animals to watch.

Javelina sighting

It’s not very often we see javelina.  They are more of a mainstay in Phoenix area and southern AZ, in warmer climates than they are in Northern AZ.

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But we got our first glimpse of these unusual beasts.  Officially known as collared peccary, they are similar to wild boar.

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Javelina are prey to mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes.  As such they are pretty skittish and aware of all sounds and smells around them, particularly as they are known for their poor eyesight.

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This small herd of 5 we encountered appeared to be 2 adults and 3 young (perhaps less than a year old).

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We’re always happy to see animals, no matter what they are… the more ‘exotic’ the more exciting, especially if I manage to get a photo.