Test of Wills meets Test of Physics.

The little one, either being playful or testing boundaries, was trying to push back various adults this morning - it looked cute but he never really stood a chance.

Who's watching whom?

Spent a long time watching the warthogs at Safari Park this morning, but this one was watching right back. Also, who are you calling 'common'?

Reflections

House of Hospitality reflected in the Lily Pond during a thirty-second exposure night shot at Balboa Park

Ghost Ducks

With a thirty-second exposure I was expecting the ducks to blur - more surprised at the few that seemingly didn't move for the entire shot.

Fountain

Fog rolled in spoiling my original plans, but very happy with the long-exposure shots I did get. This is one of two fountains on either side of the Botanical Building at Balboa Park.

Someone's Hungry

Almost missed the little one sticking his head out for a snack.

Not very welcoming

It seems Mister Tiger doesn't appreciate morning visitors.

Chubby Unicorn mid-Brunch

Save the Chubby Unicorns!

Yes, we have a Civic Organist.

San Diego's civic organist, Raul Prieto Ramirez, in action on the Spreckels Organ at Balboa Park earlier this afternoon. In case you didn't know, this 1915 gift to the city by Adolph and John D. Spreckels is the largest outdoor musical instrument in the world (yes, I read the program).

Bestest

Bestest doggie for his behavior at this afternoon's concert at the Spreckels Organ, or bestest leashholder for getting him the front row seat and taking the effort to keep him in shade? Or both?

Today's Greeter

This gent was welcoming visitors to Safari Park today. Glad we're putting our best face forward.

My mood captured

Mr. Warthog was mirroring my mood this morning quite well.

Ensemble Piece

What happens when a pair of Monarchs, a Rust-Tipped Page, and something blurry and yellow all land on the same plant?

Monarch butterfly

The Monarch was all over at this year's Butterfly & Jungle, but no sign of Team Venture.

Ghost

Not certain of the identification, but maybe a Tailed Jay? Regardless he blended in well.

Standing out

Maybe this wasn't the ideal spot for the Giant Owl's camouflage to be most effective.

Watching you

Giant Owl is a master of deception.

Side eye

Easy to miss the side-eye with all the eyes on the wing. I guess that's the point.

Inverted

Must be nice to have landing options that don't rely on where the gravity is.

Night at the Park

Three-second exposure of the Bea Evenson Fountain at Balboa Park, with California Tower behind to the left and the Natural History Museum (The Nat) to the right.

Night Tower

California Tower with a waxing crescent moon rising to the west.

Morning swimmer

That feeling you get when your morning swim gets disturbed by a busload of tourists.

Surveying brunch options

Polar bear pops out of the water to see what brunch options the tour bus is offering today.

Morning at the water

I've visited him often enough that I'm pretty sure the in-space puddle is an added benefit from our recent rain. Hope he's enjoying it.

Mother and child

I have to admit to the full range of emotions on this. It started with 'how adorable' while I was sitting there 10 feet away, to 'isn't he old enough to forage for himself' after watching a bit, then 'OMG he has claws' when I was processing the image on the monitor.

I see you

The South African Bat-eared Fox finally figured out where the clicking (my camera) was coming from and stared me down.

Being fabulous takes work

Lesser Flamingo demonstrates the attitude that overcomes that arbitrary derogatory name.

Resting

Rhinoceros doing what we all should be doing on Boxing Day: resting.

South African Bat-Eared Fox

The name and attitude pretty much say it all: I AM BATFOX.

Hey Cutey!

Hippopotamus giving me her best 'come hither' look.

When the snack's on the wrong side of the glass

Poor Tony the Hippopatamus. Tasty snacks are so close but just out of reach.

Enjoying the prime tanning hours

Bornean Sun Bear trying to relax despite a horde of off-season tourists pointing and taking pictures.

Leopard Shark

Morning swimmer at the Zoo's Africa Rocks exhibit.

Sweetness fading

White Licorice rose, and its slightly older branchmate in the background.

Jump For Joy

Jump For Joy rose at Balboa Park's rose garden.

Lady on a Sunday Morning

A Lady Emma Hamilton rose at the Balboa Park rose garden.

Relaxing

Just a chill moment at the koi pond in the upper garden of the Japanese Friendship Garden.

Be That One Lily

There's always one.

Parker the Penguin

African Penguin (spheniscus demetrius) showing off at the African Rocks exhibit at the San Diego Zoo.