Bunny as Prey for the Coyote

Here is the little guy the coyote in yesterday's photo was after in my backyard. 

This tiny bunny has positioned himself on the cool deck between the pool and the golden barrel cactus. (I know, I need to pull some weeds that have cropped up around my golden barrel cacti.)

We have bunnies, bunnies, and more bunnies living in our front and back yards. I am partial to them so I let them live here. 

I have up to nine bunnies who currently reside in our yard. I leave certain plants to grow large and bushy to provide cover and a home to the bunnies at night.

Bunnies eat my grass and require me to regularly put bunny cages around certain plants. I have numerous bunny cages in my garage that go out in the yard at certain times of the year.

I have had a Harris Hawk come into my yard and take a bunny. It was quite a sight and the hawk stared me down when I tried to interfere. The wings on the underside of the hawk were gorgeous as he flew right over me only three feet above my head onto my roof to stare at me. I finally gave up as he had already killed the bunny anyway.

Coyote Searching for Breakfast in my Backyard

I looked up from my breakfast table and saw a rare visitor had leapt over the six foot (2 meters) wall into my backyard to search for breakfast.

The coyote was searching among my blue agaves for food, and that means live food. Tomorrow I will show you the cute little guy the coyote was after.

Coyotes can jump our six foot block fences in one leap.  Lately, they have been coming around more, but this is the first time we have seen one in our backyard. Usually they stick to chasing animals in the front yards and on the streets. Although two of our neighbors recently lost their pet cat and small dog to the coyotes.  

The term Coyote is from Mexican Spanish, and is derived from the Nahuatl word "coyotl."  The scientific name is Canis Latrans, which means "barking dog." It is also know as "prairie wolf" and the "trickster." Many Native American stories involve the coyote and how quickly it fools the eye and vanishes. Here one second and gone the next. I have seen this first hand many times.

Coyotes can run up to 43 miles per hour (69 km/h) and jump up to 13.5 feet (4 meters).  The upper frequency range for coyotes is 80 k Hz, compared to 60 k Hz for domestic dogs. Some experts have noted that the shape of a domestic dog's brain case is similar to a coyote's, not a wolf's. Coyotes live around people better than wolves. Wolves are hostile to coyotes.

Coyotes are generally nocturnal but because of human pressures they are becoming more diurnal. Coyotes generally travel in pairs. Coyotes in groups are called a pack, band or a rout. Coyotes' social behavior is similar to the Dingo in Australia.

Coyotes live up to ten years in the wild. People usually hear coyotes more than see them. Coyotes make a high pitched sound of howls, yelps, and barks. I hear them at night when I am in the desert, but only occasionally hear them around my house. 

Coyotes have a symbiotic relationship with Badgers. They even hunt together, and the coyotes will sometimes take the badgers' or groundhogs burrows. Coyotes and bobcats can live in somewhat close proximity of one another. Coyotes, however, are often killed by cougars and wolves. 

Coyotes do not attack adult humans but can attack small animals and children. Coyotes are not afraid of humans. I have gone outside in the early morning to stomp my feet at them when they are in my front yard, and they just look at me and slowly saunter away. When I see them on the road walking, I roll my window down to talk to them, and they do not runaway afraid. They just continue doing whatever it is they were doing.

A Prickly Storm Encounter

I captured a monochrome image of the top of a tall Saguaro cactus against yesterday's purple clouds during the purple storm.

Even though the purple clouds yesterday were very dramatic, I like this black and white contrast photo a lot.

The cactus spines seem to jut into the sky to say stay away.

Comment about the situation in Iran. Today, many city daily photo bloggers are commenting about the situation in Iran. I would like to join in expressing the wishes of people all over the world that human rights will be respected for all people, including those who observe the right to assembly without being targeted or harassed.

The vote of the people of Iran should be recognized. My thoughts and support are with those who are courageous to stand up for the people of Iran who are trying to have their votes recognized (Where is my vote?) and who should be able to express their views. One of our fellow city daily photo bloggers was taken by the police in Tehran, Iran based on photos he took and we hope that he is safe and well and will soon be released.

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Purple Clouds and Purple Storm

A few weeks ago we had an early monsoon descend upon the Valley at dusk. The purple color in the sky was amazing.

I went outside and got a very tall ladder so I could take some photos of the changing colors, the unusual clouds, and to try and capture these images before the rain started pouring. I will admit I stayed too long outside and did get me and my camera a little wet. 

In tomorrow's photo I attempted to create a dramatic image that also lets you know you are in the Southwest.

White Paper Bark Tree Reaches to the Sky

This tree was very unique with its paper bark peeling away. I do not know the name of the tree.

I liked the look of the tree against the sky with the white feathery clouds. 

Sky shots can be so interesting. Tomorrow I will showing an unusual weather shot in Arizona. 

I am looking forward to the monsoons that occur in August here in the desert as I want to try some time lapse photography to capture lightening. 

Red Reeds and Bird Reach for the Sky

Chihuly's Red Reeds are reaching for the sky and then a bird flies straight up to complete the photo.  

You can see Saguaro cactus laden with fruit and flowers on top next to the red glass works of art. The bats come at night to pollinate the flowers on top of the Saguaros.

Chihuly's glass art exhibition at the Desert Botanical Gardens is now over, but I will have photos to share for the foreseeable future. 

Click Chihuly under labels to see more and select older posts under Chihuly to see even more of his fabulous work. 

Sunset Amid Energy Lines

I was driving home on the freeway from Mesa in the East Valley a few nights ago and captured this amazing sunset.

Enlarge it to see more details. The power lines and street lights add an interesting dimension.

I had very little time and pulled onto the shoulder of the freeway to snap it quickly before the sun disappeared and before it became too dangerous for me to be stopped on the side of the freeway with cars whizzing by.

Kestrel Falcon

Here is a Kestrel Falcon, which is another bird of prey. The coloring on these birds is so beautiful. 

This Falcon is being rehabilitated at Liberty Wildlife, which is a rescue center for true wildlife. 

You can see more about the rescue center and recent releases by clicking 

Liberty Wildlife.

Kudos to the volunteers that do so much for these animals.

Harris Hawk

Here is a gorgeous Harris Hawk. Harris Hawks are birds of prey, and they occasionally swoop in my backyard to go after a bunny. 

This hawk is being rehabilitated at Liberty Wildlife, a rescue program of wild animals such as hawks, eagles, owls, and more. 

Liberty Wildlife is phenomenal. They have a dispatch number to call if there are any dangerous wildlife encounters or injured wildlife. You can call them at 480.998.5550 for assistance. 

My secretary volunteers each week for four hours to handle calls regarding emergencies involving wild animals. Now we all call her when we have an issue with an animal at our homes or at work. I am not sure she likes that, but she tolerates all of us doing so.

Click Liberty Wildlife for more information. Click on "About Us" on their website to see a video of a release of a bald eagle into the desert environment.

Purple Prickly Pear Cactus

This cactus is popular because of its purple-gray color. It is called Purple Prickly Pear cactus or Opuntia Santa-rita.

It has a deep gray-green skin tinged with purple. In cold weather, the purple becomes more pronounced.

You can see the glochids, which are the tiny barbed spines you see spread out all over the prickly pear pad and across the top of the pad. The tiny barbs from the glochids are very fine and get all over you and in you. 

I prefer dealing with the long, sharp spines at the top of the cactus pad as they are easy to see and avoid.

I took this photo while hiking around the Boulders Resort and Spa in North Scottsdale. You can see it has raindrops that have tried to clean off the desert dust.

Desert Prickly Pear Cactus Flower

This is my last photo from the Phoenician and Jokake Inn series. It is of a Prickly Pear Cactus flower blooming on the grounds of Jokake Inn. 

This cactus is a desert prickly pear and has deep green skin, fewer spines, and clear yellow flowers.

Its technical name is Opuntia engelmannii or Opuntia phaeacantha. 

Prickly pear cacti have flattened pads connected by brittle joints. 

I previously showed you the Beavertail Prickly Pear cactus or Opuntia basilaris. It has gorgeous pink flowers that look like tissue paper flowers. Click here Beavertail Cactus and Flowers

Tomorrow I will show you the purple prickly pear cactus.  

Cactus Garden at Phoenician Resort

Here is a photo looking up at Camelback Mountain from the cactus garden at the Phoenician Resort and Spa. It is a nice place to walk right after having tea at the Phoenician.

You can see the beautiful yellow Palo Verde tree in bloom. I previously showed a photo of the yellow desert carpet made of the blooms of this unique green tree. Click here to see

Palo Verde Desert Carpet.

The Phoenician is truly a great place to stay. There are some good summer specials, but I warn you it is hot here in the summer. The resort does have nine swimming pools though. 

Sun's Last Rays Basking over Jokake Inn

Here is one last photo of the soft glow of the sun at sunset sending its rays over the hand plastered walls of historic Jokake Inn Bell Towers.

This photo gives you more of a flavor of the size of the 1930s Inn. The photo is taken from the back of the Inn.

Can you imagine what it must have been like to stay in this small historic inn back in the 1930s?

There was very little development in the area. It must have been magnificent in its heyday and full of life. It is beautiful today but does not have the hustle and bustle it would have experienced in its peak.

Plaster Walls of Jokake Inn

And, here is a close-up of the hand-plastered walls of the historic Jokake Inn Bell Towers, which was built in the 1930s.

I hope you are enjoying this series on historic Jokake Inn.

Beautiful Lines of Jokake Inn

I like the architectural lines of Jokake Inn.

The bird is standing guard and thinks it is his territory. I like the details of the hand plastered walls.

The Inn was built in the 1930s and is located on the grounds of the Phoenician Resort and Spa in Scottsdale.

Now it is time to schedule your stay, just click

The Phoenician.

Jokake Inn Bell Towers

I think the bell towers at Jokake Inn are gorgeous. You can see the silhouette of the bell.

I took this photo with the last rays of the sun hitting the plaster walls of the bell tower. The sun's rays gave the building a magnificent glow.

The Jokake Inn is located on the grounds of the Phoenician Resort and Spa in Scottsdale.

I thought this was a perfect choice for Arizona's Theme Day of "Arizona's Treasures," which is being celebrated today.

Please check out the other Arizona Theme Day participants.

Phoenix Daily Photo

Chandler Daily Photo

Flagstaff Daily Photo

Prescott Daily Photo

Tempe Daily Photo

Chandler Daily Photo

Glendale Daily Photo

Doors at Jokake Inn

Look at these beautifully carved wooden doors that are at the historic Jokake Inn, which is located on the grounds of the Phoenician Resort.

I love these territorial style doors. I would like them as the front doors to my house.

Tomorrow you shall see the famous Jokake Inn Bell Towers.

Historic Jokake Inn

We are now approaching the front of historic Jokake Inn, which is located on the grounds of the Phoenician Resort and Spa.

The Jokake Bell Inn Towers is the official name. It was designed and built in 1930 by an architect named Robert Guans.

The Inn was owned by Sylvia and Robert Guans from 1927 to 1950.

Camelback Mountain is located directly behind the Inn.

Jokake Inn and Golf Course

This photo was taken from the Phoenician golf course walking towards the historic Jokake Inn.

I think you will enjoy the photos of Jokake Inn that I will share over the next few days. The images in the photos will look like historic Arizona from territorial times.

It is good that the Phoenician Resort maintained Jokake Inn as we need to maintain the interesting architectural buildings that we have in Arizona.

Arizona became a state in 1912 so we are a a very young state and really value the ancient Anasazi and other Native American ruins and territorial structures like Jokake Inn.

Native American Statue at Jokake Inn

Here is the full size Native American bronze statue you saw part of yesterday.

The statue is quite detailed and interesting. It is placed in front of Jokake Inn, a historic building located on the grounds of the Phoenician Resort. You should enlarge it for details.

To the right of the statue is an Ocotillo cactus in bloom and a stately date palm is directly behind the statue.

I will be sharing more photos with you of Jokake Inn over the next few days as it is a magnificent architectural gem in Arizona.

Dove and Art at the Phoenician

Look at this dainty dove perching on the strong hand of the bronze statue, which is holding a bow and arrow raised to the blue sky.

This bird is not afraid of this fierce Native American statue. Check out the full view of the statue tomorrow.

The Phoenician is full of interesting art and statues.

Tea at the Phoenician

Tea at the Phoenician is always a first-rate and special experience. Our family regularly tries to have tea at the Phoenician for special occasions such as Mother's Day, birthdays, or just to catch up.

My Mom is pouring tea while enjoying her champagne and finger sandwiches.

The Phoenician is the best tea we have experienced and we have tried teas everywhere in the World, including the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong. None are as good.

The Phoenician has several courses. First, you choose regular champagne or kir royale. Next you move to your choice of tea and there are many to choose from.

Now on to finger sandwiches as shown in the last photo. From asparagus, salmon, roast beef, egg salad and more. You can eat two rounds of them and I always do!

Then you move to two nice sized scones. One regular and the other is a cranberry scone. Of course these come with devonshire cream, lemon curd or strawberry preserves.

Finally you move to desserts. You can see the choices in the second photo. All heavenly. I often have to take my desserts home in a box and eat them for breakfast the next day.

A favorite line the servers use at tea when serving you is: "If you cannot decide, you may have one of each." And, you really must as each item is a piece of work and tastes delicious.

Barrel Cactus and Phoenician

The Phoenician Resort also has great cactus. Here is a photo of a barrel cactus with the pineapple shaped fruit on top.

The flower on top of the fruit has withered away. I used to pull one of these fruit off the cactus and eat the black seeds out of them when I walked through the desert when I was a kid. Each one of these fruit are packed full of little black seeds.

I believe this barrel is the genus ferocactus type of cactus. We have a lot of barrel cacti in Arizona as we are part of the Sonoran Desert.

 

Ferocactus means fierce and they survive everywhere. Sometimes barrel cactus fall over and people mistakenly think it is from water weight. Not true. Barrel cactus follow the sun and are often called "Compass Cactus." 

Art and Flowers at the Phoenician

The grounds at the Phoenician are immaculate. Full of beauty with plants, flowers, and art. 

This is a photo of the median of the road at the resort. This gives you a flavor of the style the resort exudes. 

The Phoenician employs many landscapers!

The Phoenician is a five start luxury resort located in Scottsdale at the base of the Camelback Mountains. 

For more information or to schedule your stay, click The Phoenician.

Two Birds and Camelback Mountain

Two birds were flying in front of Camelback Mountain as the sun was going down. If you enlarge the photo, you will see the birds better.

I like the shadows and light that occur as the sun was slowly setting. The birds are always active at this time of day.

The sun on the Phoenician golf course was casting various shadows and the light and color was changing rapidly.

Pool at the Phoenician

Here is a view of one of the nine large pools at the Phoenician Resort.

You can see a view of the Papago Park Mountains, where the Desert Botanical Gardens is located. I like living so close to these great places in the Valley.

The pools at the Phoenician are very nice and have lots of trees and shade ramadas. We always need lots of shade in Arizona.

The Phoenician Resort and Spa is on 250 acres at the base of Camelback Mountain. It is a AAA five diamond resort and it has a great spa called Center for Well Being. The Phoenician

Water, Art, and Desert

This is a photo of the entrance where you are dropped off at the Phoenician Resort. 

This photo is taken from the front of the lobby of the hotel looking towards Camelback Mountain and the cactus botanical garden that exists below some of the hotel rooms at the base of the mountain.

The Phoenician has superb Native American statues throughout the property, like the one you see in this photo. Art is a part of the decor.

The Phoenician combines water, art, and the desert for a wonderful ambience. There is beauty in all that you see and there is quite a variety of viewscapes that you can experience, from desert to mountain to golf course.

Palm Trees and Golf

Palm tree reflections in the water at the Phoenician Golf Course.

I like this photo. It was a nice time of the day to capture this scene. The golfers were done and the water was smooth as glass.

You can see several sand traps in this photo. There are lots of places to lose your golf ball at the golf course. Where have you lost your golf ball? 

Golf and Camelback Mountain

Golf dominates the area. The good news is that we enjoy a lot of open space with golf courses and that means lots of great views.

This photo is taken at The Phoenician golf course with the sun low in the sky. You can see part of Camelback Mountain, palm trees, and part of the golf course.  

I will take you on a tour over the next week or so of The Phoenician Resort so you can see its amenities. It is located a stone's throw from my house and I like going there for various activities.

Native American Dancer Feet

Today is theme day for all worldwide city daily photo bloggers. The theme is feet! 

These are the feet of a Native American male dancer at the Heard Museum Hoop Dance competition. 

I love the details. He is wearing comfortable beaded moccasin boots with ribbons and bells that make a nice sound when he walks. Moccasins are very comfortable and I used to wear them when I was a kid.

I love the sounds of Native American costumes. The hair looks like it might be from a sheep, but I am not sure.   

I particularly like the goat hoof rattles that many Native Americans wear in costumes. I have two goat hoof rattle belts that I have on the back of doors in my house so that I can hear that gentle rattle when I open and close the doors.  I find the sound soothing and it reminds me of Native American festivals.

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