Birds and Blooms!

Ron NiebruggeArizona, Photos, Travel, Tucson Leave a Comment

Curve-billed Thrasher.

Curve-billed Thrasher.

We have been busy with wonderful guests this week – last night was the first night we didn’t have someone out here, so I decided to get up and make some of my own images. Curved-billed Thrasher.

Desert Tortoise

Ron NiebruggeArizona, Photos, Travel, Tucson Leave a Comment

Desert Tortoise.

Desert Tortoise.

A desert tortoise cruising across the yard on Friday. The desert certainly has come alive with the arrival of warm weather. During my workshop this morning we watched a rattlesnake slither by right in front of the lower blind. Tons of lizards out now as well.

Saguaro Cactus Wildflowers

Ron NiebruggeArizona, Photos, Travel, Tucson Leave a Comment

Saguaro Cactus Wildflower.

Saguaro Cactus Wildflower.

Got home from a quick trip to Alaska to find the Saguaro cactus beginning to bloom. I’m not sure why, but this is the third spring now that the saguaro have began blooming in the first half of April. By mid April there will be many blooming here which is interest since most parts of Arizona don’t see these guys blooming until May. I’ll take it!

Desert Photo Retreat Campsite

Ron NiebruggeArizona, Photos, Travel 2 Comments

The overnight option at the Desert Photo Retreat.

The overnight option at the Desert Photo Retreat.

Tomorrow is the last day to get in on our overnight Spring special for April at the Desert Photo Retreat.

By the way, the wildflowers have been a nice surprise this year. The ocotillos are all blooming nicely, and the hills are dotted with brittlebush. What is more exciting is the wide variety of wildflowers sprouting up here and there! Nothing like the thick fields from last year, but a nice variety. This photo is from two days ago.

I might add, we have had a few Arizona photographers out here the last few days, and they have commented that it is much green and far more in bloom here then in other parts of Arizona.

Great Horned Owl

Ron NiebruggeArizona, Photos, Travel, Tucson 1 Comment

Great horned owl.

Great horned owl.

I really enjoy listening to these guys at night.  In the past they have nested on a cliff on a property, this year I’m not sure yet.  This is actually a captive owl I photographed last weekend during the raptor show at the Sonoran Desert Museum.  Great show by the way.

It has been a busy week at the Desert Photo Retreat – we have had visits from Bullock’s, Hooded and Scott’s orioles!  All such beautiful birds.

Bear Trip Opening!

Ron NiebruggeAlaska, Lake Clark, Photos, Travel 1 Comment

A brown bear sow and cub from my Alaska Brown Bear Photo Tour.

A brown bear sow and cub from my Alaska Brown Bear Photo Tour.

Unfortunately a valued guest has to delay her bear photo tour until next summer.  However, that does open up a rare spot for my Alaska Bear Photo Tour!  All my Alaska trips for 2018 filled last summer, so this is rare opportunity!  The dates are June 25th to July 1 – you can read a whole bunch more here:  Alaska Bear Photo Tour.  If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call.  First deposit takes the spot.