My Favorite Raccoon Photos

Yes, sometimes they can be a nuisance. Yes, they can get into your trash cans. Unlike our home in the Northwest, we have only seen them a few times here at The Azure Gate.  Once several got in a "fight" with a young Bobcat. And another time they drank all of the nectar in one of our hummingbird feeders.

But when I come across them in the wilderness they seem --- more lovable.

Here are a few wilderness Raccoon photos:

And perhaps my favorite of all:

Sweetwater Wetlands: Raccoon

Going to Sweetwater Wetlands at dawn often provides an opportunity to see bobcats, coyotes, and/or raccoons.

On June 4th I arrived just as the gate was being opened. I was greeted by two raccoons within a few minutes. One climbed a tree -- so we could play hide n' seek. The other had been in the algae covered water.

Here are a few of the photos I took, starting with my favorite:

Note the algae covered feet:

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:

Dawn at Sweetwater Wetlands - Part I: Raccoon

In my days before the Bed and Breakfast when my wildlife photography "focus" was large mammals, I would try to be at the place with the most potential prior to dawn.

With that in mind, I headed out just before dawn to Sweetwater Wetlands. And, I was rewarded. First, some wonderful photos of Raccoon siblings. I took over 100 photos in about 20 minutes. Here are a few of my favorites:

Birding Sweetwater Wetlands - Part V

Although not nearly as abundant as Mallards, Northern Shovelers, or American Wigeons, Cinnamon Teals are fairly common in the Western part of the United States. Yet, I can't help myself when I see one. They are so beautiful, deep rich "cinnamon" color with eyes that jump out at you. So, a photo is always in order:

Cinnamon Teal

In addition to birding Sweetwater Wetlands, there is always the possibility of seeing Bobcats or Raccoons. This day was no exception. In the photo below, two raccoons were crossing the Gazebo Pond: 

Raccoon

Animals in Trees: Raccoon

When we lived in Bellevue, Washington our home backed up to a "Greenbelt" and although not exactly wilderness, did have its share of wildlife. Deer were frequent visitors as were raccoons. I remember once that seven raccoons were on our deck looking in through the sliding glass door. 

I suspect this is the most common "sighting" of raccoons -- i.e. backyard. So it is a bit of a surprise when I see them in true wilderness areas.

He is a photo of a raccoon family in a willow tree at Sweetwater Wetlands.

Raccoon

Best Wildlife Photos of 2016: Raccoon

I headed out to Sweetwater Wetlands early one morning this past summer hoping to find the Bobcat family. Instead, I found a Raccoon family. And, they surely didn't disappoint. I took a great many photos. I have included two of them here, the first of which is actually my favorite photo of 2016. The mother and her two kits were all precariously "out on a limb," all looking directly at me, all through a sea of green willow leaves, and all in perfect focus. Couldn't have asked for a better photo:

Sweetwater Raccoons

In addition to the Soras I found at Sweetwater Wetlands on Thursday, I came across a Raccoon and her two "Kits" in the down cattails of Keyhole Pond.


It reminded me of my encounter with a female Bobcat and her two Kittens at Sweetwater a few months ago.


The Kits were playing just as the Bobcat Kittens were playing. Here are a few photos:

Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson, Arizona

Got up before dawn this morning to get to Sweetwater Wetlands at daybreak. Within five minutes I noticed out on one of the islands there was an animal. He was peeking his little head out from behind cover. Moments later he was out in the open where I could clearly see him. He never knew I was there. A Raccoon! Here are some photos: