Tag: Scottsdale

5.1 Miles

A red-tailed hawk perches atop a large boulder formation on the Jane Rau Trail in McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona on December 20, 2024. Original: _Z723444.NEF

Friday afternoon I took Bear into the desert, choosing an initial loop that wouldn’t take him too far in case he got tired. But his energy was high so I expanded the loop and added a short nature trail. At the end we were treated to this red-tailed hawk up on Bobcat Rocks (I saw a bobcat there once), having hiked 5.1 miles in total. I took him on an easy 3 mile jaunt in the neighborhood yesterday, not sure what we’ll do today.

📷: Nikon Z 7II | Nikon 24-200mm
🗓️: December 20, 2024

Into Shadow

Shadows creep towards the mountains from atop the Marcus Landslide Trail in McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona on November 22, 2024. Original: _Z720869.NEF

Shadows crept towards the mountains as Bear and I looked down from atop the old landslide. We were like Frodo & Sam about to head into Mordor. Except we only had a mile and a half to go. On well-groomed trails. In perfect weather. With no one hunting us. And plenty of water and snacks.

Otherwise just like Frodo & Sam.

📷: Nikon Z 7II | Nikon 27-40 f/4
🗓️: November 22, 2024

Stages of a Young Monster’s Development

A young Gila monster climbs a boulder in McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona on May 25, 2024. Original: _A672816.ARW

A month after seeing a young Gila monster Bear and I came across another one climbing up a boulder next to the trail, our fourth (!) and final monster of the year. Further along in time and development, this one has entered the semi-chonk phase. The younger one pictured below in a similar pose is still in its non-chonk phase, with a thinner torso and deflated tail.

A very young Gila monster climbs a boulder in McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona on April 28, 2024. Original: _A671559.ARW

📷: Sony A6700 | Sony 100-400mm | Sony 1.4X
🗓️: May 25, 2024 (top image)
🗓️: April 28, 2024 (bottom image)