Tag: Arizona

Arizona is a state in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the Western United States and of the Mountain West states.

A Northern Whiptail Lizard along the Plateau Point Trail, Grand Canyon

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A Northern Whiptail Lizard along the Plateau Point Trail, Grand Canyon

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After we left the oasis of Indian Garden at Grand Canyon National Park, Bob and I wasted no time making headway towards Plateau Point.  The heat was building, the wind was constant, and the sun was torturous.  Still, we forced ourselves to remain vigilant since  other hikers had spotted rattlesnakes on the trail within the past couple of days.  It was when we drew near the water refilling station about 3/4 of the way between the two points that we saw a Northern Whiptail Lizard taking advantage of the puddles of spilled water in the shade of the water reservoir. Read more

Hiking Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point at the Grand Canyon



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Hiking Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point at the Grand Canyon

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When Bob and I decided to hike Bright Angel Trail, we knew it would be a demanding challenge, and one that would take many hours.  From the South Rim, Plateau Point was a speck at the edge of the Tonto Platform; from midway down the fault line, the narrow meandering trail that leads from Indian Garden to Plateau Point was more discernible but no less intimidating. Read more

A Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard at the Grand Canyon

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A Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard at the Grand Canyon

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As Bob and I neared Indian Garden along Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon National Park, we kept a keen eye for birds and animals along the way so we could add pictures of new wildlife to our collection.  I was conscientiously watching for snakes and so tended to scrutinize the trail in front of me to avoid stepping on any, in particular any Grand Canyon Rattlesnakes that might be sunning themselves.  It was Bob who spied this Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus uniformis) where it originally sat hunched on the small branch of a Catclaw Acacia (Acacia greggii).  Read more

Elk on the move in the Grand Canyon Village in Arizona

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Elk on the move in the Grand Canyon Village in Arizona

elk crosses roadway, grand canyon

When Bob and I first arrived at Grand Canyon National Park, it was getting late in the day, dusk in fact, so we were eager to find our accommodations at Maswik Lodge and to have dinner.  The Park is very large, and finding our way on the road system through Grand Canyon Village was taking some time.  As we drove down one stretch of the pavement, adjacent to the railway track, Bob caught sight of a number of Elk making their way from one side of the roadway to the other. Read more

Pygmy Nuthatches At Grand Canyon National Park

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Pygmy Nuthatches At Grand Canyon National Park

Pygmy Nuthatch in a pine tree at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, USA

After completing a guided Fossil Walk along the South Rim Trail at Grand Canyon National Park, Bob and I hiked further along the rim to Maricopa Point before turning and heading back towards Maswik Lodge.  Our detour proved worthwhile when we discovered a small flock of Pygmy Nuthatches (Sitta pygmaea) inhabiting one of the many trees. Read more

Hiking Bright Angel Trail To Indian Garden at the Grand Canyon

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Hiking Bright Angel Trail To Indian Garden at the Grand Canyon

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The day preceding our hike on the Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon National Park,  saw Bob and me taking it easy and making the necessary preparations for our lengthy endeavour.  We purchased lots of salty snacks, lunch supplies, energy bars and fruit, knowing full well that the demands on our bodies would probably be the most extreme we had ever experienced.  With our alarm set for 4 a.m., and plans to hit the trail by 5 a.m., Bob and I intended to retire early, but in the end, we hit the hay about the same time as usual…10:30 p.m.  We were full of anticipation and trepidation.  Were we really up to the task? Read more

Mule Deer along the South Rim Trail at Grand Canyon National Park

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Mule Deer along the South Rim Trail at Grand Canyon National Park

mule deer, grand canyon national park

Bob and I had been at Grand Canyon National Park for a few days, and on top of exploring the phenomenal panoramic sights, we  had also been engrossed in the observation of a variety of bird species.  It was not until the morning of a guided Fossil Hike that we first came upon some Mule Deer.  People wanting to join the hike were to assemble on the canyon-side patio of Bright Angel Lodge, and there, just below the stone wall edging the pathway, a family of Mule Deer was having its breakfast. Read more

Our Bird’s-eye View Helicopter Flight Over The Grand Canyon

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Our Bird’s-eye View Helicopter Flight Over The Grand Canyon

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Bob and I had planned our trip to the Grand Canyon so that our helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon was on the first morning after we arrived, hoping that it would give us a great overview of the landscape before we set off on foot to explore it. Read more

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