Blog

Down With the Thickness

A Gila monster explores the rocky edge of a trail in McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona on April 14, 2024. Original: A677539.ARW

That the Gila monster is the largest native lizard in the US only tells part of the story, to me their almost ridiculous girth is more impressive than their length. I half expect the earth to tremble beneath my feet after each of their deliberate steps. This was the first one Bear and I saw this year, having crossed in front of us it explored the edge of the trail before trundling off into the brush.

📷: Sony A6700 | Sony 100-400mm | Sony 1.4X
🗓️: April 14, 2024

Watch Your Step

A western diamondback rattlesnake crosses the trail at McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona on April 26, 2024. Original: _ZFC1520.NEF

I saw the diamondback before Bear did, the wind was swirling which undoubtedly threw off his sniffer, plus it was partially obscured on the right side of the trail. As soon as he recognized it he got behind me and gently tugged on the leash in the other direction (he’s trained to give them a wide berth). We stayed well back and gave it room to cross the trail and we last saw it exploring some rocks on the other side.

📷: Nikon Z fc | Nikon 16-50 DX
🗓️: April 26, 2024

Backlit

A Gila monster walks across the trail in McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona on April 14, 2024. Original: _A677479.ARW

There are magical experiences on the trails you never forget and I’ve had several this spring. The first was when I was walking Bear and stopped dead in my tracks when I saw one of my favorite creatures ever sauntering across the trail. We had each seen Gila monsters before but this was our first together and only my fourth overall. Thankfully I had my telephoto lens with me that day, not the best picture but I love every moment with these stunning lizards, such a rare treat.

📷: Sony A6700 | Sony 100-400mm | Sony 1.4X
🗓️: April 14, 2024

Time to Move

Our cat Trixie relaxes on a pillow in front of the window in my office on March 29, 2024. Original: _Z727637.NEF

The other night Trixie was sleeping on a pillow in front of my office window when a flash of light and a loud bang sent her scurrying from the room, without even looking I knew she’d be hiding under the bed. The thunderstorm raged for a surprisingly long time, rattling the windows and one tortoiseshell’s nerves. By 1 a.m. with the weather calmed she finally emerged to wake us up and let us know it was long past time to move back to Oregon.

📷: Nikon Z 7II | Nikon 24-70mm f/4
🗓️: March 29, 2024