From blogging about my 20th Anniversary trip. 🙂 Don’t worry, I will get it finished here this coming week. I’m sure you’re looking forward to seeing my photos from Zion National Park.
Fall is in full swing here in New Mexico. I managed to get out for a few short hikes.
Fall colors along Sandia Crest
One day Scarlett and I went to Corrales and walked the irrigation ditch. Birding was pretty quiet that day. But I managed to get a few decent pics.
American Robin
Western Tanager
Blue Grosbeak juvenile
Lesser Goldfinch
But the highlight of the day was seeing a porcupine that had come out of the brush to get a drink. He took his sweet time getting a drink and then he started walking towards Scarlett and I. I kept a tight hold on Scarlett’s leash in case she felt the need to go inspect him closer. He came within a few feet of us. He then stopped and shook himself several times. Scarlett had her nose stretched out getting good sniffs in. That guy was stinky!
Porcupine
Getting in a good shake
You can see his orange teeth and big claws
Walking in the area around my home I came across a few good birds. They are enjoying the various wildflowers that have started turning to seed.
Mountain Chickadee
Hammond’s Flycatcher
Lesser Goldfinch
Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
You can see pollen on its beak
Lovely!
On one afternoon I was able to stop in at the Rio Grande Nature Center. It was pretty quiet there except for an inquisitive Greater Roadrunner. He cooperated nicely for a few pics.
Greater Roadrunner
I love the colors on these birds
Watching me closely
I love these birds!
I babysat Valerie’s dog Mya for 10 days. We went on several short walks. Scarlett was thrilled to have her best friend along. Scarlett taught Mya how to pose for photos. 🙂
Mya and Scarlett
Scarlett started her heat. I have a small Chihuahua named Henry. He normally snubs Scarlett whenever she tries to socialize with him. But during her heat he’s been in love with her!
Henry flirting with Scarlett
She was loving the attention!
When Henry wasn’t flirting with Scarlett, he was hunting lizards in the yard. I caught him watching a lizard on the side of the house.
Henry watching a lizard who’s watching a grasshopper
While digging in the garden I dug up a juicy grub. To reward the lizard for putting up with Henry, I tossed the grub where he could get it. He quickly grabbed it up and ran behind the garden fence under a drain spout. It took some doing, but I was able to get a photo of him trying to eat that fat grub.
Happy lizard!
Scarlett and Mya were hanging out in the garden with me too.
My sweet Miss Scarlett
Beautiful Mya
I love fall but it never seems to last long enough….
Summer is over….
Excellent article and photographs. My favourites are of Scarlett and the porcupine!
Thanks Belinda! That porcupine was something!
So many wonderful photos – I hardly know where to start. Love the porcupine shots. But the lizard with the grub is just incredible.
Thanks Donna!! That lizard was a challenge to get!
So many good pictures in this post. I enjoyed it very much.
Thank you gsctrails! I’m so glad!