Out There

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A loggerhead shrike sits confident and ready to strike on Antelope Island State Park.

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This pronghorn doe was off by herself which is unusual because the females usually stay in small family groups.

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Today I went on a quick drive to Antelope Island State Park. I can always expect to find bison, but the challenge is to make unique captures that showcase their personalities.

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From the helicopter we could see the confluence of two rivers that flow into the Grand Canyon. The lighter turquoise river is the Little Colorado which drains the Painted Desert before entering the canyon. The darker green river is the Colorado which is the primary creater of the Grand Canyon. This confluence is a sacred cultural site for at least 10 regional Native American tribes including the Hopi, Navajo, and Havasupai.

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There were so many perfect perches for California condors but none were about on the days we were there.

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To appreciate the vastness of the Grand Canyon you have to stand on the rim and scan the landscape.

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The cliffroses that line the South Rim of the Grand Canyon were coming into bloom adding a delicate balance to the drama of the abyss.

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Cliffrose blossoms on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park.

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Evening light over the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

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Clouds cast shadows over the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

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A view from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

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Desert spiney lizard at Red Rock State Park, Arizona.

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Cholla blossoms and buds at Red Rock State Park, Arizona.

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Desert willow at Red Rock State Park, Arizona.

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Woodhouse's scrub-jay at Red Rock State Park, Arizona.

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Mourning dove at Red Rock State Park, Arizona.

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Ladder-backed woodpecker at Red Rock State Park, Arizona.