Just before the big heat wave, I made a quick trip to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve for birding. I didn't get many bird pics, but there were several Mule Deer hanging out near the water feature. I hadn't ever seen deer there, but usually there is a natural water source nearby. Apparently it has dried up completely in this desert area, in this hot summer. This young buck still had velvet on his antlers. Mule deer have extra long ears, which can move independently. With their eyes placed the way they are, they have 310 degrees of vision, and are very sensitive to motion. I thought this one had a very sweet face. 9/14/20 My website: www.sparhawkphotography.com
This cute little pika was high in the mountains in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. We had taken the tram up to the top, hoping to spot White-tailed Ptarmigan, another high altitude bird. Despite several forays out from the visitors center, we never did see the ptarmigan. But we did see this little pika, such a busy little animal, always gathering grasses to take to his burrow. I was pleased that he sat still long enough to get a couple of shots off before he ran on. 6/26/20 My website: www.sparhawkphotography.com
When I was birding along the San Diego River recently, this very little bunny ran across the trail and into the grass. As I watched, he stayed very still. In this shot, he began nibbling on the seedheads on the grass. He was so little and cute, I couldn't resist taking a few pics of him. 8/1/21 www.sparhawkphotography.com
