Category Archive

A Black-throated sparrow from last night at the lower photo blind, Desert Photo Retreat, Arizona.

A Curve-billed thrasher during a recent morning at the Reflection Table Bind.

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.

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.

Another new one of our little hooded skunk visitor at the year around water hole.

This morning at the Reflection Blind. It was too windy for reflections, but still nice for birds!

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. 

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.