Birds and Blooms!

Ron Niebrugge Arizona, Photos, Travel, Tucson Leave a Comment

Curve-billed Thrasher.

Curve-billed Thrasher.

We have been busy with wonderful guests this week – last night was the first night we didn’t have someone out here, so I decided to get up and make some of my own images. Curved-billed Thrasher.

Desert Tortoise

Ron Niebrugge Arizona, Photos, Travel, Tucson Leave a Comment

Desert Tortoise.

Desert Tortoise.

A desert tortoise cruising across the yard on Friday. The desert certainly has come alive with the arrival of warm weather. During my workshop this morning we watched a rattlesnake slither by right in front of the lower blind. Tons of lizards out now as well.

Saguaro Cactus Wildflowers

Ron Niebrugge Arizona, Photos, Travel, Tucson Leave a Comment

Saguaro Cactus Wildflower.

Saguaro Cactus Wildflower.

Got home from a quick trip to Alaska to find the Saguaro cactus beginning to bloom. I’m not sure why, but this is the third spring now that the saguaro have began blooming in the first half of April. By mid April there will be many blooming here which is interest since most parts of Arizona don’t see these guys blooming until May. I’ll take it!

Great Horned Owl

Ron Niebrugge Arizona, Photos, Travel, Tucson 1 Comment

Great horned owl.

Great horned owl.

I really enjoy listening to these guys at night.  In the past they have nested on a cliff on a property, this year I’m not sure yet.  This is actually a captive owl I photographed last weekend during the raptor show at the Sonoran Desert Museum.  Great show by the way.

It has been a busy week at the Desert Photo Retreat – we have had visits from Bullock’s, Hooded and Scott’s orioles!  All such beautiful birds.

April Special!

Ron Niebrugge Arizona, Photos, Travel, Tucson Leave a Comment

Gambel's Quail.

Gambel’s Quail from the upper photo blind.

We are running a great special at the Desert Photo Retreat for the month of April.  If you book before April 1, you can have exclusive use to the entire property including both photography blinds and can stay in the Airstream which is situated in a beautiful, secluded setting surrounded by saguaro cactus, huge boulders and lots of wildflowers all for just $180!   Two people; $240.

If you want one on one personal help with your photography, creating pleasing bird perches, you name it – we are also offer 20% off private instruction as well.  Follow the link for all the details:  Desert Photo Retreat overnight special.

Gila Woodpecker

Ron Niebrugge Arizona, Photos, Travel, Tucson Leave a Comment

Gila Woodpecker.

Gila Woodpecker.

These guys are everywhere except at the lower blind where for some reason the mockingbird aggressively chases them away.  It tolerates all other wildlife, and even tolerates these guys at the water drip, but not near the lower feeders!