Cherry Blossoms

Nice to see spring hitting San Diego in the first week of February. This tree is in front of the Natural History Museum (bokeh in the background).

Colorful cactus

Not sure the type, but in the cactus garden adjacent to the rose garden at Balboa Park.

Flowering cactus

Was trying to get the bees buzzing around the blossoms. Missed, but still very happy with this shot.

Tasmanian Devil

The wild one was out and about for the tourists on this Sunday morning.

Bateleur Eagle

Spreading his wings

Taveta Golden Weaver and nest

The bird on the left was interacting with the bird in the nest through the bottom of the nest.

Taveta Golden Weaver and nest (II)

Fascinating interactions, especially for a Sunday morning in January.

Leopard

There were three young leopards out this morning, with a bit of wrestling and rough-housing. Fortunately this one came out of the shadows long enough for a shot.

Angel Duck

Disappointed that he lost the role of Nativity Angel when December Nights was cancelled this year, this duck was hanging out at the Lily Pond on this Sunday morning showing all from near and far just how well he would have done with the role.

Mid-hop

Kangaroo caught mid-hop at the Safari Park's Australian Walkabout.

Sloth Bear

He was being decidedly unslothful this morning, out and about playing with his enrichment devices.

Andean Bear

Just a bear, looking adorable.

Nyah nyah

Andean Bear wants you to know who has the bone and who doesn't.

Amur Leopard

I felt like one of those little sushi rolls floating down the bar, waiting for someone to reach down and make me her brunch

Not a Rose

Went to the park this morning to try and get some shots in the Rose Garden. Came home with this cactus shot too.

Cherry Parfait

Seriously, I'd like to know more about how these roses are named, though with the deep red and pure white I think I understand this one.

Ketchup and Mustard

Beautiful red, but maybe not as much yellow as some of the other Ketchup and Mustard roses in bloom this morning. Still in great shape for August heat.

Rainbow Sorbet

I was beginning to get a bit disappointed in my trip to the Rose Garden this morning. August heat was taking its toll, but then I stumbled on this guy.

Still there

Lesser flamingo checking on her egg

Nesting flamingos

Lesser flamingos watching their eggs.

Ducklings

These guys were hiding in the brush as Mom foraged for brunch and kept returning to feed them. For reference, Mom was black with a white bill.

Posturing

A bit of a kerfuffle as a late-comer forced his way to the front of the flock.

Bateleur Eagle

(terathopius ecaudatus). Enjoying the good lighting in Africa Rocks at the San Diego Zoo.

California Condor

Enjoying the morning sun; waiting for the morning tourists to become carrion.

When That Snack Is Just Out Of Reach

Polar Bear weighing its options; smug bird knowing it's just far enough away.

Steller's Sea-eagle

(Haliaeetus pelagicus).

Western Burrowing Owls

(Athene cunicularia hypugaea).

Sumatran Tiger

Just a big cat lounging around. Shot through the glass wall from the Longhouse at San Diego Zoo's Safari Park Tiger Trail.

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'?

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.

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.

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.

Reflections

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

Chubby Unicorn mid-Brunch

Save the Chubby Unicorns!

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.

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.