Favorite Wildlife Photos from 2018 - XXII

Continuing with my favorite Wildlife Photos from 2018 is a Snow Goose. Usually Snow Geese summer in the Arctic Circle or Siberia and winter along the Gulf of California or Gulf of Mexico. Fir Island in Washington state would get 10-12,000 during the winter. Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge would get high numbers wintering there as well.

In Arizona we often get 50-60 wintering at Whitewater Draw. However, this past year one lone Snow Goose stayed at Lakeside Park in Tucson all year long providing lots of photo opportunities.

Snow Goose

Favorite Wildlife Photos from 2018 - XXII

The Reddish Egret US population is estimated at about 5,000 so it not often seen except in its very limited range along the coast of Louisiana and Texas. However, this past year the Gulf hurricane brought one to Southern Arizona. Quite a treat to watch its unusual feeding style.

Reddish Egret

Favorite Wildlife Photos from 2018 - XXI

Next up, the beautiful Red Faced Warbler. This little warbler is essentially an Arizona only warbler, though there are occasional sightings in southwest New Mexico. It likes the higher elevations where there are pines, oaks, and maples. This past year the most reliable spot was along Upper Sabino Canyon Trail above 8,000 feet. (though also found along Marshall Gulch and Incinerator Ridge).

Red Faced Warbler

Favorite Wildlife Photos from 2018 - XX

Continuing with my favorite wildlife photos from 2018 we come to the Raccoon. These photos were taken early one morning at Sweetwater Wetlands:

Favorite Wildlife Photos from 2018 - XIX

First a big thank you to El Salvador the 140th country to visit our Blog. We are grateful to those around the world that share a love of nature.

Continuing our series on Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2018 we come to Pronghorn. I never tire of seeing them. Here are two "favorites" from last year:

Note the little guy (or gal) laying down.

Photos from Las Cienegas just north of Sonoita, Arizona

Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2018 - XVIII

Continuing with my favorite wildlife photos from 2018, a Loggerhead Shrike:

Loggerhead Shrike munching on something he caught

Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2018 - XVII

Today, a rare to Arizona, Little Blue Heron:

Little Blue Heron at Lake Cochise

Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2018 - XVI

Continuing with my favorite wildlife photos from 2018, a Killdeer showing off his beautiful colors:

Killdeer at Whitewater Draw

Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2018 - XV

Today a Hooded Oriole:

Hooded Oriole at Molino Basin, Catalina Mountains

Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2018 - XIV

Today, a Green Heron:

Green Heron at Sweetwater Wetlands

Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2018 - XIII

Continuing with my favorite wildlife photos of last year (2018) we come to a Great Blue Heron that I watched fishing for several minutes:

Great Blue Heron at Lake Cochise

Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2018 - XII

The Forster's Tern is a rare find in Southern Arizona. This particular one I found at Lakeside Park, a municipal park not far from us. I was delighted to get so close.

Forster's Tern

Favorite Wildlife Photos of 2018 - XI

Here a Crested Caracara with a Common Raven (frequently seen together). The photo was taken at Santa Cruz Flats which is west of Interstate 10 between Tucson and Phoenix. This is the most reliable area to find this falcon in the winter. During the summer it is more spread out but usually best found off Arizona Highway 86 between Robles Junction and Ajo (especially the area around Sells).

Crested Caracara (with Raven)