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.

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.

Ensemble Piece

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

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.

Standing out

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

Inverted

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

Night Tower

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

I see you

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

Resting

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

Being fabulous takes work

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

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.