My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 20

Continuing with my favorite wildlife photos of 2017 (in alphabetical order):

Yellow Breasted Chat

A Yellow Breasted Chat rounds out my top 20 photos of 2017. This warbler is more often heard than seen.  Early morning is the best time when they come out from underneath brush.  I'm always thrilled when I see one. I love the deep yellow color offset by the clean white belly.

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 19

Continuing with my favorite wildlife photos of 2017 (in alphabetical order):

Wilson's Warbler

I particularly like the fine detail and the color in this photo close up of the Wilson's Warbler along Patagonia Creek.

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 18

Continuing with my favorite wildlife photos of 2017 (in alphabetical order):

White Tailed Deer

Deer are abundant all over North America. So I don't always stop, let alone take photos of them. Yet, here I was compelled. And, the result was better than I expected. The White Tailed Deer in the foreground in perfect focus; then a second deer in the background resembling a ghost. Lovely.

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 17

Continuing with my favorite wildlife photos of 2017 (in alphabetical order):

Vermillion Flycatcher

Found mainly in Southern Arizona, this very photogenic Vermillion Flycatcher let me get close for a photo.

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 16

Continuing with my favorite wildlife photos of 2017 (in alphabetical order):

Tropical Kingbird

The Tropical Kingbird is not rare, but uncommon to the US. I found this one in what Christine calls "The Alternate Universe", otherwise known as Santa Cruz Flats halfway between Tucson and Phoenix. He let me get very close. Love the detail and the colors.

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 15

Continuing with my favorite wildlife photos of 2017 (in alphabetical order):

Rosette Spoonbill

This was a treat. Rosette Spoonbills are typically only found along the Gulf Coast. But the hurricanes sent four of them to Southern Arizona. I found the four at Aquirre Lake, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge along the US/Mexico border.

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 14

Continuing with my favorite wildlife photos of 2017 (in alphabetical order):

Pronghorn

This was taken at Las Cienegas in June with a temperature of 110 degrees. No wonder the Pronghorn was in the shade of the Mesquite Tree.

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 13

Continuing with my favorite wildlife photos of 2017 (in alphabetical order):

Painted Redstart

Here's another little Warbler singing away, the Painted Redstart. 

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 12

Continuing with my favorite wildlife photos of 2017 (in alphabetical order):

Olive Warbler

The Olive Warbler is one of my favorite birds to photograph. I've mentioned before, how the name "Olive" warbler seems inappropriate since there is not a speck of olive color on the male. I'd prefer the name "Butterscotch" Warbler since it's hood is a rich butterscotch color.

The Olive Warbler lives above 7,000 feet and almost exclusively high up in Ponderosa Pines. So finding and getting a good photograph is always challenging. 

This one was singing away. I like the blue background and the out of focus pine needles behind the warbler. 

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 11

Continuing with my favorite wildlife photos of 2017 (in alphabetical order):

Lucy's Warbler

Another very simply but lovely photo; this of a Lucy's Warbler sitting on a branch of a Palo Verde Tree here at The Azure Gate B&B. I like the color and composition. 

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 10

For the remainder of the year I thought I'd share my favorite wildlife photos taken in 2017.

So here they are (in alphabetical order):

Green Heron

Green Herons are fairly elusive. I came across this one in a very small open channel between the reeds. I like the composition, the colors, and the reflection. 

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 -9

For the remainder of the year I thought I'd share my favorite wildlife photos taken in 2017.

So here they are (in alphabetical order):

Feral Burro

If I had to choose, this would probably be my "Very Best Favorite" photo of 2017. I took this photo at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge along the Colorado River. He was very inquisitive; actually started walking toward me until he heard from his mom. Then he walked back to her. But, I can't help it, I think Wild Burros are beautiful!!

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 8

For the remainder of the year I thought I'd share my favorite wildlife photos taken in 2017.

So here they are (in alphabetical order):

Elegant Trogon

I took this photo in what I consider the most reliable place to find the Elegant Trogon, Huachuca Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains. 

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 7

For the remainder of the year I thought I'd share my favorite wildlife photos taken in 2017.

So here they are (in alphabetical order):

Coyote

Christine and I were hiking in Tanque Verde Wash when we came across what appeared to be a log in the middle of the wash some 200 yards away. However, after a few steps closer, the "log" moved. We were able to get within 75 yards before the "log" -- well, now we realized it was a Coyote, got up and started walking into the brush. I was able to get several photos but like this one best because he was walking and looking at us at the same time.

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 6

For the remainder of the year I thought I'd share my favorite wildlife photos taken in 2017.

So here they are (in alphabetical order):

Caterpillar

I love the colors her of the Caterpillar and wildflowers.

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 5

For the remainder of the year I thought I'd share my favorite wildlife photos taken in 2017.

So here they are (in alphabetical order):

Burrowing Owls

I found these little guys at what Christine calls "The Alternate Universe." On the map it is called Santa Cruz Flats about half way between Tucson and Phoenix. 

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 4

For the remainder of the year I thought I'd share my favorite wildlife photos taken in 2017.

So here they are (in alphabetical order):

Bobcat

There were two siblings very early one morning at Pena Blanca Lake 7 miles from the US/Mexico  border. This one wanted to pose for me.

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 3

For the remainder of the year I thought I'd share my favorite wildlife photos taken in 2017.

So here they are (in alphabetical order):

Black Tailed Gnatcatcher - I like the "sweetness" of this little bird along with its composition.

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 2

For the remainder of the year I thought I'd share my favorite wildlife photos taken in 2017.

So here they are (in alphabetical order):

Anna's Hummingbird chicks sitting on their nest here at The Azure Gate Bed and Breakfast

My Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2017 - 1

For the remainder of the year I thought I'd share my 20 favorite wildlife photos taken in 2017.

So here they are (in alphabetical order):

American Kestrel