We have taken Beethoven to the dog park several times since we adopted him. The first time we took him, he got in the little tub of water, splashed around a couple of times and then got out. Today, I had the camera ready for his dip in the tub. Enjoy the slideshow!
Critters
A Cardinal in a Mesquite Tree
No, it’s not the first day of Christmas nor spring and neither is this a partridge in a pear tree. However, the red and green complimentary colors make this photo of a cardinal in the mesquite tree look very festive.
We put out the seed bell for the birds a couple of days ago and since they are attracted to it, we get lots of photo ops like this. Click on the image to enlarge.
To all of our Christian friends, Happy Easter and to all of our Jewish friends, Happy Passover.
A Tale (Tail?) of Three Pinschers
Just as we were about to head home from the Dog Park today, a gentlemen showed up with his Doberman Pinscher. It was an interesting thing to see the similarities and the contrasts between the Doberman and our two Miniature Pinschers.
When we adopted Cabela, the Humane Society told us that Min-Pins are terriers and not related to Dobermans. The large breed is more closely related to Greyhounds and Rottweilers. Still, it was almost like the big dog was having a “mini me” moment. Click on the image to enlarge.
Another Unknown Bird
Of all the millions of bird species seen worldwide, we have been able to identify most of those we see in our neck of the woods, except for a small number we can’t find in printed or on-line references. We’re still looking to find the species of this bird.
This week, during our visit to some friends who live on the Colorado River near Parker, AZ, we watched flocks of these black and yellow birds zipping from one treetop to the next. This is yet another mystery bird that does not seem to be listed in our references. Any clues? Click on the image to enlarge.
High Desert Wildlife Drama
A few days ago we saw our first snake of the season. Our buddy, Crotalus, advised that it was a Sonoran gopher snake and that it preys on rodents and is non venomous. Today, the same snake appeared out back. As it climbed up the embankment by our driveway, a curve-billed thrasher and its mate showed up to encourage the snake to go elsewhere. The bird in the photo pecked at the snake’s tail several times before the snake hurried off into some underbrush on the neighbor’s property. Click on the image to enlarge.
Cabela at Rest
It has been a little over a year and a half since we adopted Cabela. She is an active and lovable miniature pinscher. Between her and Beethoven (the other min-pin), they make us laugh every day.
Since she is a very active dog, it is unusual to see her so much at rest on the back of the love seat. To our relief, she almost always lets us sleep all night long when it’s bedtime. Click on her picture to enlarge.
Vernal Equinox 2012
Today is the first day of spring. Right on cue, we saw this cardinal perched on the power pole across the road on Sunday. He was whistling the cardinal mating call which is considerably more musical than the bird’s normal metallic “chip” sound. We assume this handsome fellow is looking for a mate.
Image: Male cardinal perched calling for a mate. Click on the image to enlarge.
We’re hoping that this cardinal and his mate settle nearby. We had two or more cardinal couples frequenting the area last spring and summer.