Great Egret in Flight-Wings on Wed.

Great Egret   -   Gilbert Water Ranch      Gilbert, Az.        4/1/2011

NOT Cotton Candy - Look Closely



We were on a nature hike with our grandsons over the weekend at Granite Mountain when we came upon this strange sight. Look closely at the top left - the pod  was writhing with worm-like insects, which I have found out from fellow bloggers are "tent caterpillars" Needless to say this was a very cool catch for the boys!    A fun day :)






 

Willow Flycatcher - Wed. Wings

Willow Flycatcher  - Prescott Nat'l Forest

First time I have ever seen this bird in the forest - maybe due to migration.
He didn't hang around too long so I was glad to get the pic.

P.S.    catch the "do"  :)

Monday Morning Macro #daffodil

Gambol's Quail - Wed. Wings #birds #nature



Gambol's Quail



Munchies on Monday - Javelina

Javelina (peccary) are wild pig-like mammals and I often see them on our morning hikes in the woods.They eat roots but I have seen them enjoying an occasional cactus.
Javelina usually travel in groups and I have counted up to 20  in my yard. (My flower selection is geared for Javelina tolerant foraging)



Javelina have poor eyesight but if threatened they will charge at dogs and humans.
This was as close as I would get to him/her drinking water at the creek  :)

 

Red-tailed Hawk-Wings on Wed.#hawks #nature

A Visit to Gilbert Water Ranch #birds #nature #Gilbert #Az.

Although the end of the day turned out to be a toasty 100 degrees, our Friday morning visit to Gilbert Water Ranch started out as a pleasant 65 degrees and sunny. Gilbert Water Ranch is a wonderful oasis amidst the residential and business community of Gilbert, Arizona. We arrived at 6:30 a.m. and some very serious nature photography had already begun. I was informed that this day was the best in four weeks due to the tide pool conditions. I was not disappointed as all of the below are "lifers"  for me.   :)

  

Great Egrets





Great Egret & I believe Long-billed Dowitchers




Long-billed Dowichers with American Coot in background




American Avocets




Black-necked Stilt




Black-crowned Night-Heron (immature)







Snowy Egret





 



Snowy Egret




Cinnamon Teal with his mate