Animals & Critters

Western Fence Lizard

I'm not too big on photographing reptiles, but I was surprised to see this one with its bright turquoise spots. Researching it, I believe this is a Western Fence Lizard, a species that can be quite varied in its markings, and are fairly common in western deserts. This was seen at Whitewater Canyon Preserve, a desert canyon between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park.

Laying Low

This resting tiger looked a little strange, maybe sad?? Maybe he was just resting up for some future play. I photographed him at San Diego Safari Park.

Loving Looks

Another Momma gorilla and baby image. I liked this one because she seemed to be gazing adoringly into baby's eyes. Safari Park, San Diego, CA.

What Are You Lookin' At?

A different view of Momma gorilla and her baby, who seems to be looking right into the camera lens. San Diego Safari Park, San Diego, CA.

Mom & Child

The Momma gorilla was holding her 5 week old baby. San Diego Safari Park, San Diego, CA.

Proud Momma

This mother gorilla gave birth to this baby 5 weeks ago at San Diego Safari Park. She was very protective, often hiding behind a large rock in the enclosure, but she did come out now and then, so got this shot.

Young Cheetah

This young Cheetah was photographed at San Diego Safari Park.

Cheetah

This cheetah was photographed at San Diego Safari Park.

Gorilla Portrait

I made a stop at San Diego Safari Park, trying out my new Sigma 150-600 mm lens. I'm still getting the hang of it, but it does make sharper pics than my 70-300, and sure can pull subjects in a LOT closer (naturally). This gorilla sat for his portrait.

Red Slider Turtle

I was birding yesterday at San Jacinto Wildlife Area, and looking up the path beside a pond was this big turtle. Looks like a Red Slider, but I've never seen one this large--it was about 9-10 inches long. It just sat there and let me shoot away.

Coes Deer

This young buck Coes Deer was photographed in Cave Creek Canyon in Southeast Arizona.

Deer Raspberry

This very pretty little buck Coes Deer was photographed in Cave Creek Canyon in the Chiricuahua Mountains in Southeast Arizona. This is a 3 year old buck, giving us the "raspberry".

Tiger Play

Fun playing in the sun. San Diego Safari Park.

Tiger Nose Bump

Tiger play--how cute are they? San Diego Safari Park.

Tiger Stealth

This tiger cub was stealthily creeping up on his siblings. San Diego Safari Park.

Aren't We Cute?

These two tiger cubs were running, chasing, wrestling, jumping; they stopped for a moment, and I snapped this shot.

This Sun Feels Sooo Good!

This sunning tiger cub is thinking maybe it is time for a nap....

Tiger Cub Sunning

The overcast had burned off, and this cub was enjoying the sunbath up on a log.

Me and My Mom

Mother tiger and one of her babies. I love their intent stares.

Here Comes Tiger

Another tiger cub shot as they played together at San Diego Safari Park.

Tiger Cub

This was one of the three tiger cubs at San Diego Safari Park, very active and acrobatic.

Hiding in the Grass

This cute little tiger cub was playing with its two siblings, and at this point looked like he was hiding, waiting to pounce on anyone coming by. I loved his little pink tongue. San Diego Safari Park. Judith Sparhawk

On the Prowl

This tiger cub was "on the prowl", keeping its eyes open for its sibling cubs. San Diego Safari Park. Judith Sparhawk

Bathtime

I was lucky enough to capture this sweet moment of mother tiger bathing one of her three young cubs. They were photographed at San Diego Safari Park.

Time for a Trim?

This badger was at the Living Desert in Palm Desert, CA. It looked like mani-pedi time for sure!

Kit Fox in the Den

This spot was the kit fox's favorite nap spot. Living Desert, Palm Desert, CA

Bobcat on the Move

Photographed at Living Desert, Palm Desert, CA. This bobcat was moving quickly, and this shows in the blur, but the head and face was sharp, so I liked it.

On the Prowl

This beautiful Bobat was padding along on his big over-sized feet. I was so happy to get photos of him.

Porcupine Portrait

This porcupine was photographed at the Living Desert in Palm Desert. He doesn't look very happy to have a camera in his face. Sorry Porky! Judith Sparhawk

Time for a Nap

This little Desert Kit Fox seemed to prefer this spot for napping. After playing for quite awhile he went high up to this rocky niche , turned around three times, and settled down to sleep. His eyes popped open and I grabbed this shot. Judith Sparhawk

Fox on the Lookout

This Desert Kit Fox climbed up on this rock and appeared to be viewing his territory. Judith Sparhawk

Bobcat Coming In

This bobcat had been high on this rock ledge and was coming on down. He was very pretty in the sunlight. Judith Sparhawk

Desert Kit Fox Grinning

This fox appeared to grinning at me. I know, I know, I'm reading a lot into it, but he looked very cute anyway. Judith Sparhawk

Desert Kit Fox

This cutie was a wonderful subject, and when he stuck his tongue out, I couldn't resist trying to catch the moment Judith Sparhawk

Desert Kit Fox Looking Back

This little critter was so cute. He didn't seem to mind having his picture taken, and for this one he seemed to be looking right back at me! Judith Sparhawk

The Laughing Koala

This Koala was at the Los Angeles Zoo. As they sleep all the time, I was happy to find this one awake for a few minutes, and in this shot he looks as if he is laughing.

Leafy Koala Lunch

This Koala was at the Los Angeles Zoo. I caught him mid-munch on the eucalyptus leaves, with one leaf actually hanging out of his mouth. Cute little fellow.

Mr. Froggie

This bright green frog was photographed in the amphibian exhibit at the Los Angeles Zoo. It was taken through glass, under poor light conditions, so I was surprised to get much of a picture at all.

Western Striped Skunk

While out birding at San Jacinto Wildlife Area, this skunk came walking down the path toward me. I photographed it as it came closer and closer. It didn't seem to be worried about my presence--I guess it knew I would give it due respect.

Western Striped Skunk

This cute skunk was wandering and sniffing out insects to eat at San Jacinto Wildlife Area last Sunday. I took lots and lots of photos of him.

"Please Can I Mom, Huh, Huh?"

This young female gorilla was fun to watch in play, and in interaction with her mother. San Diego Safari Park, San Diego, CA.

The Littlest Fawn

While traveling in the Chiricahua Mountains in southeast Arizona, driving up toward Rustler Park, a mother deer and this tiny fawn were beside the road. They crossed the road in front of us, and mom disappeared into the forest. The little fawn stood there by himself watching. It was the sweetest thing ever!

Up Close and...

San Diego Safari Park.

Tiger Tiger Burning Bright

San Diego Safari Park.