Flowers of Chain Fruit Cholla (jumping cactus) are beautiful, but the sharp, barbed spines of this cactus will make you regret getting too close. Remember, I said barbed. Close-up photography demands concentration. Have you ever had a painful encounter with this cactus?
Cute Gambel`s quail drink at the water dish with dad. They don`t stay babies very long. Enjoy.
Found this interesting insect on a Shasta Daisy flower. Belongs to the genus Lygus. It is just 3/16 inches long. A magnifying glass is helpful. I like that green heart shape mark on its back.
If your assignment was to produce an image of a Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps) for a field guide, you would be hard pressed to find a better model than this bird foraging among the blossoms of Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii).
#backyardbirds #backyardgarden #backyardphotography #backyardphotographer
I did a test run with my nighttime flash photography components to confirm everything was functioning properly. I smeared peanut butter on the rock knowing I would probably attract a small rodent (mouse, pack rat, etc.). Well, a javelina got to the goods before any of the little critters could. I hope he enjoyed his 1/8 teaspoon of peanut butter.
@camtraptions #cameratrap #cameratrapping #cameratrapphotography
I keep rubbing my eyes, in disbelief, because I don`t think this is normal. 😊My first thought was a White-eared Hummingbird but the bill seems too long. This ID is above my grade level so I`m submitting to the birding community for confirmation. Seems like a juvenile. Is it possible this is from a nearby nest. Location: Casas Adobes, Tucson, Arizona. #birdidentification #birdidentificationhelp
Face to face with a Large Milkweed Bug ( Oncopeltus fasciatus) on a Pineleaf Milkweed (Asclepias linaria) seed pod.
#milkweedbug #insectphotos #creepybugs
Come on now. Admit it. Sweat bees are beautiful. Don`t go swatting them now. Sweat bee on Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa).
#nativebees #sweatbees #insectphotography #macrophotography
Take a look at a Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus) as it sips nectar from the white flowers of the Blackfoot Daisy (Melampodium leucanthum).
#backyardbutterfly #smallbutterflies #butterflyphotography
Bee on Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), a beautiful and vital source of nectar for these busy pollinators. The bright orange flowers of this milkweed plant are a stunning addition to any backyard garden, and a must-have host for our Tucson monarch waystation. 🐝💛 #backyardphotography #bees #backyardgarden #monarchwaystation
Costa`s Hummingbird (Calypte costae) and Gregg`s blue mistflower (Conoclinium greggii).
#backyardphotography of #backyardbirds in #tucsonarizona
If not the most common, one of the most common birds of southern Arizona. The House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus). So common, I believe many birders are capable of identifying them in the margins of their peripheral vision and move on to their next target within a blink of the eye. A beautiful bird nonetheless!
#birdingarizona #birdingtucson #backyardbird #backyardbirds #backyardbirder #backyardbirding
Morning breakfast. Two Anna`s Hummingbird chicks being fed by the mother. These birds will grow quickly, including the length of the beaks, during the next three weeks.
#hummingbirds #annashummingbirds #backyardbirds
Yellow iris petal and beard.
I stopped at the iris bed this morning and I was captivated (again) at the intricate veining and patterns on the petals. I need to try and find at least a couple more photo-worthy flowers before the spring season slips away.
#beardediris #yellowiris #yellowirisflower #macroflowershots #macroflowers
