Making The Most of It

The Japanese God of storms brings some of the most exciting weather this time of year. But one must respect this God or face possible death.

On a strict budget until my work begins again, I am keeping it close to home. You've been witnessing shots straight out of Tucson that either cost nada or just the price of gas.  I'll admit that this challenge hasn't been the easiest.  I want to keep my writing and photography fresh.  The weather has been an obstacle plus the canyons with all the wonderful hummingbirds have issues with rain and flooding.  They close off and on making it difficult to just get in a car and explore. 

Mourning Doves

The exciting part though for me has been watching the action happen right here in Tucson.  I keep my eye out for Rare Bird alerts or animal sightings.  Monsoon certainly has been a thrill so far and it's nice.  I just don't get to do those incredible hikes like I did in winter.    Essentially it's two hours of play and then back inside. 

Male Yellow Warbler taking a bath

 It's nice at times because you won't find too many people on the trails this time of year except after a rain event or early in the morning.

Black Neck Stilts

 So I bring plenty of water and a large hat to help keep my face protected from the sun.

Bullfrog

And usually find some amazing things like a Yellow Warbler taking a bath in the stream.  More tomorrow....

Nature's Bullies

Lately I've been in a reflective mood as is the case during this time of year.  And this month is a showcase of images that I've snapped from over the past several months.  Today's photo feature deals with bullfrogs in Tucson.  I grew up catching frogs and then releasing them back into the water.  So while at times they gross me out, I think they're quite fascinating.  Here in Tucson during our monsoon, the Colorado River Toad can be seen after a good rain event.  Or during a hike, you might spot a Canyon Tree Frog, but it's the rare treat to actually hear and see bullfrogs around our Sonoran desert.

While at the Sweetwater facility, I found several of them wrestling around in the water.  I'll call it "wrestling", but it could be something else they were up to....:)

Here they are locked in an embrace of some kind.  I had arrived at this facility totally unaware that bullfrogs were swimming around, but I heard their sounds and saw some "action" going on near some reeds.  And so it was.....I came to get duck pictures, but ended up with some fun bullfrog photos.