Sunday, July 15, 2012

Roadrunner


Both Friday and Saturday brought more clouds to Phoenix and little patches of rain here and there.  The result was cooler temperatures so I took the opportunity to take a morning walk at my favorite place to hike.  You guessed it, the Desert Botanical Gardens.  I didn't really expect to see anything spectacular because the desert hot and dry this time of year but, I was surprised by the things that caught my eye.  As I was heading toward the exit, I heard a huge commotion of loud and very angry birds and then I spotted what they were so riled up about.  This Roadrunner was prowling around and the smaller birds were determined to shoo him off.  I was very lucky, he wasn't in much of a hurry and he stood perfectly still long enough for me to snap a few shots.


So, I can finally present to you a clear photo of one of these speedy birds.

His coloring makes him well camouflaged to do his hunting low to the ground.



14 comments:

  1. Don't you just love it when an opportunity like this presents itself, well done Sharon you caught a great portrait of this speedy chap!

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  2. These are amazing photos! You must have a way with animals and birds 'cause they never sit still for me! It's a beautiful critter and I don't think I've ever seen one close up before (well, except for the cartoons!)....

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  3. ditto, birdman. excellent shots.

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  4. What a great duo of photos!! I've never seen a roadrunner except the one on the train between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Wonderful capture of this cooperative fella.

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  5. Perfect pic for a perfect day at the Garden!

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  6. This is superb. Getting a glimpse of a roadrunner is a treat. Getting photos of one is a gem.

    I wonder shat road runners were called before they had roads.

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  7. Very nice! I like that great head shot!

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  8. Yes, the other birds don't like the two that live in my yard. For good reason...they are carnivorous.

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  9. Oh, these are great. I only seem to see these dudes when they're scurrying across the road!

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  10. Was the coyote around? :-) Terrifice captures, Sharon!

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