Sonoran Desert Storms

Well, another storm is on its way. So far January has had more than twice its average rainfall. Of course, in Tucson its not all that difficult considering how little rainfall we usually get. But, weather sometimes makes photography difficult. Bright sun for example which either washes out the subject or casts shadows on the subject; and pouring rain which, well, I guess is obvious. But Tucson has amazing skies that can produce some pretty spectacular photos too. In the summer, especially during our monsoon season (August) we get numerous lightning storms. This brings photographers from all over the world. They'll drive up to Windy Point on Mount Lemmon and set up tripods and take time-lapse photos of lighting strikes happening simultaneously all over the city. In the winter, broken clouds can create gorgeous 360 degree sunsets.  But also, even the dark and ominous can create wonderful photo ops. This stormy photo is of a mesquite tree pretty much standing alone here in the Sonoran Desert. It reminds me of something from Harry Potter.

crested caracara

Apologies for the "break in the action." We had a couple of days without guests so I took a photo trip looking for Desert Bighorn Sheep. I went to three of the best places in Arizona: Cabeza Prieta NWR, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and Imperial NWR. I was in the best places at the best time but, no sheep. Sheep are very difficult to find in uninhabited wilderness areas. It is a little easier when they live closer to "developed" areas, i.e. Jasper or Banff in Alberta. Photo trips are never wasted, though. Just the scenery alone is worth the trip. And, I did get some photos, like this Crested Caracara.