We had a snow event in the high desert the day before yesterday and early this morning there were still some patches on the ground. This is "The Gang of Five" our resident coyote pack. Not certain what they were finding on the ground but the owl was here last night so perhaps it left some scraps around. I stepped out on the porch to take some photos and they pretty much ignored me until I said: "Whatcha doing?" They looked up briefly and then went back to rooting around on the ground.

Happy New Year to my Flickr pals! I've been away from Flickr for far too long. I just re-upped my Pro membership after a plea from Flickr to help keep this wonderful site running. Hope it helps.

I have many photos that have been shot over the last six months that haven't seen the light of day. Will try to get busy after the holidays. We found some wonderful work tables at Home Depot to replace my desks. They raise and lower which will hopefully help me. Sitting in my office chair for even relatively short periods of time has been a problem. The tables are on wheels which can lockdown and that is another plus. Looking forward to putting them to use for my computer and printer.

Roberta

Tags:   snow in the desert coyotes Coyote group wildlife desert wildlife Joshua Tree CA wildlife of Joshua Tree snow high desert high desert wildlife mojave desert Happy New Year morning light Nikon D500 Nikkor 300mm f4 PF

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For a change in cover photo only. This was originally set up for my Facebook cover photo, not sure if it works as well here.

Sunday Feb 9: Gosh! Had no idea this would make Explore. Thanks all for the views if I had any idea I would have put a better copy of this photo on here. As it is I just dropped the copy that was set up for Facebook so I could try it as a cover photo.

For those who might be interested here's info about Solo. We call him Solo. This is the coyote that nearly died a few years back due to the ravages of mange. I finally resorted to do or die treatment for his condition and medicated him, adding it to canned dog food. He spent the cold winter months during the time he was without fur sleeping in our barn at night. Much to our surprise the mules and donk pretty much tolerated his sharing their quarters. He had coyote brethren that he hung out with before he became so ill but during that time they deserted him and he has been solo since that time. He's not a pet and we don't consider him one but he spends a lot of time on our property - perhaps he feels welcome and safe here.

Solo, you have always been a star to me but now you are one for others too! Thanks again everyone.

Roberta

Tags:   coyote Solo the coyote desert desert wildlife wildlife high desert high desert wildlife Joshua Tree, CA

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An early morning ramble in Joshua Tree might yield wonderful surprises.

Tags:   2020 in review Big Horn Sheep Big Horn Rams desert wildlife wildlife early morning hike Joshua Tree National Park Nikon D610 Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 Mojave Desert High Desert Joshua Tree, California

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They are fast-moving hares that are common in the high desert. They can reach a length of about 2' making them one of the largest North American hares.

Earlier this year hares and rabbits in Southern California were dying in fairly large numbers due to a highly infectious and fatal disease RHDV2. Over about a two month period we found three dead rabbits on our property and disposed of them per instructions from CDFW. Then it seemed to run its course and we have not found any since.

Tags:   Black tailed jackrabbit jackrabbit desert wildlife wildlife desert hare Joshua Tree California life near Joshua Tree National Park check out those ears late afternoon light also check out those eyes

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Antelope Ground Squirrel and Desert Cottontail sharing some seed at the stump "bird" feeder. Bunny doesn't look too thrilled with the intrusion.

Tags:   2020 in review Wildlife rabbit Antelope Ground Squirrel Desert Cottontail Outside My Window The Stump ground squirrel high desert Joshua Tree CA desert wildlife

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