Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Winter Desert Trip (3): Arizona Sonora Desert Museum


Our family is crazy about animals. We don't have any pets because of heavy allergies, but that doesn't mean that we don't love them. We enjoy wildlife, and it is an absolute highlight if we see wild animals during our trips. Therefore, the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum in the Tucson Mountains has always been a must for us - we visited every time we came to Tucson, and of course, last time was no exception.

"Museum" might not be the right term, it actually is a zoo that displays flora and fauna of this special desert. No need to create habitats for the animals, they're already there. I was surprised to learn that beavers live in the desert and more than delighted to see Mexican wolves. This kind of wolf is almost extinct in the United States, but during the past few years it has been re-introduced into this area and hopes are high that they will settle down and multiply.

So - take a look at some of the animals that call the Arizona Sonora Desert home.

Harris hawk

Ocelot

Bobcat

My absolute favorite: Cougar (mountain lion)

There was a lot of yawning going on.

Just look at her! She really made eye contact.


Prairie dog, praying

Another favorite of mine: Mexican wolf. Incredibly beautiful.

11 comments:

La Vie Quotidienne said...

I have a special fondness for the big cats...lovely pictures, they are all so beautiful to behold.(-:

Marilyn & Jeff said...

These are wonderful photos of such beautiful animals. I love the prairie dog saying his prayers, the bobcat is gorgeous as is the cougar ...they are beautiful animals.

voodoo vixen said...

Carola, what fantastic photos of such beautiful animals... you make me want to go there! (Of course, I realise my snaps would not be a jot on your lovely ones)!! Annette #18

Christine E-E said...

so Carola... what sort of lens did you use to take these animal pictures? I'm still learning to use my Canon Rebel...

Cynthia Schelzig said...

wow Carola...fabulous shots of some fabulous creatures! The mountain lion...what a beauty...that pudgy prairie dog...makes me smile.
He is praying alright,,,please don´t let them feed me today:) ,,,,each shot a beauty indeed!

windrock studio said...

Beautiful, just beautiful! especially the big cat making eye contact ... and the prairie dog praying, so cute! Gorgeous photos, Carola.

Valerie Hart said...

Happy New Year Carola! Oh my what lovely pictures! Your photography is just beautiful. And that wolf! I really appreciate you stopping by my blog and leaving a comment on my newest Wishcast post. I have been very inspired by Jamie's prompts and this lovely community of Wishcasters.

Saw that beautiful girl on your LinkWithin and read the story about her and her fiance... big sigh. These tragic stories hurt my heart so... so young, so much potential, such a young life... I just don't understand the world sometimes... Hope you are doing ok.

Wish you Love, Peace, Prosperity and lots of Photographs in the New Year.

Blessings,
xoxo Valerie

Valerie Hart
http://valeriehart.com

Darla said...

This is a wonderful collection of photo's. What a great place to visit.

Darla

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Wunderschöne Fotos, ganz besonders gut gefällt mir der Wolf, muss ein tolles Erlebnis gewesen sein.

Diana said...

What beautiful pictures, Carola. You have a wonderful eye.

JoZart Designs said...

I really enjoyed browsing such a wonderful collection of photographs. Thank you,
jo x