South Tucson Wildlife Walks

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the wonders of God’s creation. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message

Two juvenile Rock Squirrels living in the base of a tree in our hotel courtyard in south Tucson, Arizona. The rock squirrel, Otospermophilus variegatus, is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae and is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States.

I recently travelled to Tucson, Arizona to attend our Fellowship's annual International Bible Conference. I’m always excited to return to the desert southwest each year; not just for the conference, but for the unique habitat and wildlife. But how do you fit in photography when travelling for another purpose? Find it where you can!
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The Bible Conference began each morning at 8 AM. But the beautiful thing about Tucson is the sun rises at 5 AM! Since I didn’t have time to travel far, I simply wandered the streets near my hotel. Even the little oasis in our hotel courtyard produced some wildlife shots! Each morning, I walked with my camera down several side streets in the industrial area near the Tucson airport. There are several large vacant lots covered in cactus and desert scrub. I couldn't resist a little trespassing to find some photo opportunities! 

A Western Kingbird bird perched in the top of a desert Palo Verde tree in the desert southwest United States, Tucson Arizona. The western kingbird, Tyrannus verticalis, is a large tyrant flycatcher.

Two juvenile Rock Squirrels in south Tucson, Arizona. The rock squirrel, Otospermophilus variegatus, is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae and is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States.

Cactus Wren building a nest in a Yucca plant in the desert southwest United States, Tucson Arizona. The cactus wren, Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus, is a species of wren that is endemic to parts of the southwestern United States, as well as northern and central Mexico.

Cactus Wren building a nest in a Yucca plant in the desert southwest United States, Tucson Arizona. The cactus wren, Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus, is a species of wren that is endemic to parts of the southwestern United States, as well as northern and central Mexico.

House Finch perched in a bush in the desert. Tucson, Arizona. The house finch, Haemorhous mexicanus, is native to western North America, and has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent.

Curve-billed Thrasher perched on Cholla jumping cactus in Tucson Arizona. The curve-billed thrasher, Toxostoma curvirostre, is native to the southwestern United States and much of Mexico. Cylindropuntia is a genus of cacti native to northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States. They are known for their barbed spines that tenaciously attach to skin, fur, and clothing.

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher bird perched in Palo Verde tree in Tucson Arizona desert.

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher bird perched in Palo Verde tree in Tucson Arizona desert.