Stripped Skunk Reflection

Ron NiebruggeArizona, Photos, Travel, Tucson Leave a Comment

Stripped Skunk
Stripped Skunk, Desert Photo Retreat, Tucson, Arizona.

A stripped skunk last night at the reflection table blind. Last spring, while photographing bats at the table I noticed a skunk would sometimes climb up there. So I built a removable ramp to the far side of the table, and set up my camera with triggers along with threes flashes. Sure enough, success! The nice thing about having such a small, distinct edge to the pond makes pre-focusing much easier as I pretty much know exactly where it will drink. That reflection is a real bonus.

Loggerhead Shrike

Ron NiebruggeArizona, Photos, Travel, Tucson Leave a Comment

Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike

This loggerhead shrike was at the Reflection Blind this morning. They use that sharp, pointed bill to kill their pray which includes small birds – needless to say, the small birds take cover when this guy shows up. Larger birds like the dove and woodpeckers hardly pay him a bit of attention.

Hooded Skunk

Ron NiebruggeArizona, Photos, Travel, Tucson Leave a Comment

Hooded Skunk
Hooded skunk, Desert Photo Retreat, Tucson, Arizona.

Hooded skunk.  Set up for a little camera trapping last night.  Have lots of ideas for this season, but keeping it simple for starters.  We have two hooded skunks, and as of the night before, I can now confirm that we also have two stripped skunks – they were making a lot of noise!  On occasion, we see a spotted skunk as well, but infrequently.  The hooded and stripped pretty much ignore me now if we cross paths on the property. 

Desert Moon

Ron NiebruggeArizona, Photos, Travel, Tucson 2 Comments

Moon rise, Tortolita Mountain, Tucson, Arizona.
Moon rise, Tortolita Mountain, Tucson, Arizona.

Actually captured this photo as I sat in the lower photo blind Saturday night! Nice bonus to the birds. I didn’t need the blind for the moon as it isn’t scared of me… but maybe it should be. 

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Desert Photo Retreat Checkin

Ron NiebruggeArizona, Photos, Travel, Tucson Leave a Comment

Gray fox early this morning.

Made a quick trip to Arizona to check on our property and refill the auto water system, and to enjoy the 111 temp! Well the first part is true. These photos are all from last night. A fox pair, deer, coyote with a pup, great-horned owl and the javelina with two new babies!

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