Wildlife: All forms of animal life qualify for this category.
Tree Frog
"How much is that frog worth?" asked Hunter. "Depends on your point of view," I replied. "Have you ever tried to make a frog?" (Amphibians, Vol 3, 87; 1999)
Cormorant
Photo: Cormorant in the Salish Ponds wildlife refuge. This is a great place to spend the afternoon, and it's only a short walk from our front door!
"If you're all wet," said Salish, "just admit it, find a rock, and let the sun shine on your wings!" (Requisite to Flight, 0209, 2010)
Coyote
Photo: I flushed this coyote out of hiding about five hours ago. We were hiking above the Columbia River in Eastern Washington when I saw it dip into a deep canyon. A little game of hide and seek followed and I got this photo!
"You're not a normal human, are you?" asked Mr. Coyote. I looked around to see who he was referring to, but no one else was in the area. (Redefining Normal, 0201, 2010)
Buffalo
Photo: There is a Shreiners Farm animal retirement center across the river from The Dalles that reportedly cares for aging zoo animals. There is a buffalo herd here that roams the hills, double-hump camels, giraffes, zebras and other exotic creatures. You must stay in your car, but it's definitely worth the drive. I don't think it's widely known.
Zebras
Photo: Who would have thought zebras would be romping around in the Columbia River gorge! Here's the web link to the 12,000 acre animal farm I mentioned in the last email: http://www.schreinerfarms.com/ This is the only place I know where you can take a photo of a zebra with Mt Hood in the background!
Blue Jay
"Well, to tell you the truth, it's a trade-off," complained Jay. "There's nothing quite like the freedom of flight, but I could do without a diet of beetles and grubs." (Contentment: An Adjustment in Perspective, 1125; 2009)
Weldon Wagon Trail Moth
"Imprisoned in a cocoon..." thought Weldon. "Wow! Look at you now!" (Caterpillars that Fly, 1021; 2009)
Mountain Goat
"Some experiences are really hard to explain," pondered Adam. "Still...I believe them." (Things Goats Know, 831; 2009)
Mountain Goat
"We are not alone," whispered Adam. "Walk gently and keep your voice down." (Caretakers, 901; 2009)
Blue Heron
"Once I learned to fly," said Ole' Blue, "all my fears disappeared." (Primary Feathers, 823; 2009)
Blood Star
"I am here to brighten things up on the reef," said Five-Legs. (Those Who Shine, 826; 2009)
Harbor Seal
"If you're very quiet, you might be able to sneak up and get a photo while the ole' boy is asleep," whispered the Hermit." (Kayaks, Vol 3, 87; 1999)
Hover Bee
"Photography is primarily about composition, and composition has everything to do with being prepared." (Composed, 65; 2003)
Golden Mantle Ground Squirrel
"I'm not a 'Chipmunk,'" said Tom. "Haven't you ever seen a Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel before?" (Snow Zone, 618; 2009)
Golden Mantle Ground Squirrel
"It's never too early to start preparing for winter," said Tom. (Chipmunk Basics, 617; 2009)
Swalowtail
"This is not as easy as it looks!" gasped the winged caterpillar. (Multi-tasking, "How to Eat and Fly without Choking," 626; 2009)
Swalowtail
"Sometimes everything comes together perfectly," said Trapper. (Don't Miss the Message! 702; 2009)
River Otters
"Life can be really fun," explained David the Otter. "Just jump in!" (Get Involved & Stay Involved, 79; 2009)
River Otters
"Rest awhile," said Otter. (Unhurried, 97; 2009)
Tortoise Shell
"Finally! Freedom!" Golden-Wing sang. "I am no longer a worm!" (Metamorphosed, 49; 2009)
Native Trout
"Flyfishing is not necessarily about the fish. Even when you don't land a fish, regard closely, and at breadth, where you happen to be and the part you play in the greater landscape. Thou ant." (Lessons from the Water, Cascade Range, 2004)
Karner Blue Butterfly
"When you fell asleep you were just a worm. Now look at you!" (Metamorphosis, 333; 30 AD)
Mallards
"Help feed the hungry, but make sure you get out of the way!" Char Latte explained. "OK, mom...," I replied, as she finished dressing my wounds. (Selfless Acts, 76; 2008)
Salmon Spawn
Fence Lizard
I was surprised to meet a member of congress while hiking through Coyote Wall canyon this weekend.
"Nice expensive looking snake-skin coat," I said warily. (Lizards, 666; 2009)
Tree Frog
"No one is going to believe this!" Pondered Kermit. (When Not to Croak!, 26; 2009)
Cougar Kill
Roses are Red Violets are Blue Don't ever think This can't happen to you! (Pioneer Poetry, Vol 10; 1876)
Swallowtail
"Wow! I've got wings! This is way better than crawling around on my belly!" (The Value of Cocoons, 701; 2009)
Green Lakes Frog
"OK, you can put me back now," croaked Kermit. "I may be small but you still need me." (Listening to Amphibians, 910; 2009)
