Here I share some of my animal observations, most of which have been verified as “Research Grade” by iNaturalist.org.
Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos)
Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos), Cerbat Mountains, Mohave County, Arizona (2024-04-22)
European Mantis (Mantis religiosa)
European Mantis (Mantis religiosa), Baker County, Oregon (2023-09-21)
Juvenile Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
Juvenile Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2020-11-08)
Male Cassin’s Finch (Haemorhous cassinii)
Male Cassin’s Finch (Haemorhous cassinii), Baker County, Oregon (2022-08-26)
Female Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus)
Female Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus), Baker County, Oregon (2023-05-24)
Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) in a Red Push Pistache tree, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2021-01-27)
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna)
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2026-01-26)
Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), Baker County, Oregon (2021-06-19)
Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens)
Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens), Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Pima County, Arizona (2023-12-24)
Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens) in a mesquite tree
Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens) in a mesquite tree, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2022-11-12)
American Bison (Bison bison)
American Bison (Bison bison), Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (2011-09-09)
Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina)
Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina), Baker County, Oregon (2024-06-27)
Yellow-faced Bumble Bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)
Yellow-faced Bumble Bee (Bombus vosnesenskii) on Small-flower Beardtongue, Deschutes County, Oregon (2021-07-08)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), Baker County, Oregon (2020-08-23)
Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata) on cholla
Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata) on cholla beneath Safford Peak, Pima County, Arizona (2021-02-12)
Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)
Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus), Baker County, Oregon (2021-07-15)
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) beside Love Reservoir, Baker County, Oregon (2025-06-29)
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis)
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis), Deschutes County, Oregon (2020-09-19)
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) in a mesquite tree
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) in a mesquite tree, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2022-11-14)
Western Leafcutter (Megachile perihirta)
Western Leafcutter (Megachile perihirta),Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes County, Oregon (2021-07-22)
Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus) in a mesquite tree
Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus) in a mesquite tree, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2020-12-11)
Male California Quail (Callipepla californica)
Male California Quail (Callipepla californica), Baker County, Oregon (2023-05-23)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), Baker County, Oregon (2020-08-23)
Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2022-11-14)
Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli)
Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli), Deschutes County, Oregon (2020-09-17)
Morafka’s Desert Tortoise (Gopherus morafkai)
Morafka’s Desert Tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) in the North Comobabi Mountains, Arizona (2017-03-08)
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) beside the Powder River, Baker County, Oregon (2025-06-29)
Common Raven (Corvus corax)
A Common Raven (Corvus corax) sharing the summit of Hualapai Peak with me, Hualapai Mountains, Mohave County, Arizona (2019-10-26)
Male Gila Woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis) in a mesquite tree
Male Gila Woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis) in a mesquite tree, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2020-11-23)
Female Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)
Female Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus), Cattail Cove State Park, Mohave County, Arizona (2024-10-27)
Female Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus)
Female Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus), Baker County, Oregon (2021-06-19)
Spotted Pine Sawyer (Monochamus clamator)
Spotted Pine Sawyer (Monochamus clamator), Baker County, Oregon (2024-06-29)
Coyote (Canis latrans) feeding on mesquite pods
Coyote (Canis latrans) feeding on mesquite pods, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2022-11-29)
American Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana ssp. americana)
American Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana ssp. americana), Lincoln County, New Mexico (2021-05-02)
Male Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris)
Male Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2023-12-02)
Audubon’s Warbler (Setophaga coronata ssp. auduboni)
Audubon’s Warbler (Setophaga coronata ssp. auduboni), Deschutes County, Oregon (2020-10-09)
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), Deschutes County, Oregon (2021-06-30)
Harris’ Antelope Squirrel (Ammospermophilus harrisii)
Harris’ Antelope Squirrel (Ammospermophilus harrisii), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2020-11-26)
Male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) in a mesquite tree, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2020-12-11)
Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps)
Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2020-11-21)
Feral Donkeys (Equus asinus)
Feral Donkeys (Equus asinus), Black Mountains, Mohave County, Arizona (2024-04-20)
Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus)
Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2020-11-21)
Male Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)
Male Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus), Cattail Cove State Park, Mohave County, Arizona (2024-10-27)
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), Baker County, Oregon (2024-06-27)
Male Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
Male Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis), Deschutes County, Oregon (2020-10-07)
Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus) in a mesquite tree
Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus) in a mesquite tree, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2020-12-11)
Female Cassin’s Finch (Haemorhous cassinii)
Female Cassin’s Finch (Haemorhous cassinii), Baker County, Oregon (2023-05-21)
Female Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus)
Female Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus), Baker County, Oregon (2020-10-14)
American Elk (Cervus canadensis ssp. canadensis)
American Elk (Cervus canadensis ssp. canadensis), Baker County, Oregon (2025-06-22)
Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys ssp. gambelii)
Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys ssp. gambelii), Deschutes County, Oregon (2020-10-07)
American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), Baker County, Oregon (2024-06-26)
Arizona Yellow-eyed Junco (Junco phaeonotus ssp. palliatus)
Arizona Yellow-eyed Junco (Junco phaeonotus ssp. palliatus), Mount Hopkins, Santa Cruz County, Arizona (2020-12-03)
Western Leafcutter (Megachile perihirta)
Western Leafcutter (Megachile perihirta) on Stem Raillardella (Raillardella scaposa), Deschutes National Forest, Deschutes County, Oregon (2021-07-22)
Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana)
Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana), above Workman Creek Falls, Tonto National Forest, Gila County, Arizona (2016-04-14)
Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea)
Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea), Baker County, Oregon (2020-08-22)
Spotted Bird Grasshopper (Schistocerca lineata)
Spotted Bird Grasshopper (Schistocerca lineata), Horse Peak, Pima County, Arizona (2022-12-10)
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2020-11-19)
Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea)
Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea), Deschutes County, Oregon (2020-09-17)
Male Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)
Male Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra), Baker County, Oregon (2021-06-20)
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) in mesquite tree, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2020-11-21)
Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys ssp. gambelii)
Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys ssp. gambelii), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2020-11-21)
Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)
Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2020-11-09)
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), Baker County, Oregon (2022-09-26)
Female Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris)
Female Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Dryobates scalaris), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2023-12-03)
Female California Quail (Callipepla californica)
Female California Quail (Callipepla californica), Baker County, Oregon (2021-06-17)
Mountain Goats (Oreamnos americanus)
Mountain Goats (Oreamnos americanus), Quandary Peak Trail, Summit County, Colorado (2012-10-08)
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna)
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna), Deschutes County, Oregon (2020-09-19)
Female Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina)
Female Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina), Baker County, Oregon (2023-05-24)
Female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) in a mesquite tree, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2020-11-21)
Curve-billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre)
Curve-billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2020-11-23)
Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer ssp. sayi)
Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer ssp. sayi) at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico (2024-05-03)
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
American Robin (Turdus migratorius), Deschutes County, Oregon (2020-10-07)
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2023-11-29)
Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus) family
Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus) family, Cabinet Mountains, Bonner County, Idaho (2015-07-10)
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) Horsetooth Reservoir, Colorado (2024-05-08)
Female Northern Red-shafted Flicker (Colaptes auratus ssp. cafer)
Female Northern Red-shafted Flicker (Colaptes auratus ssp. cafer), Baker County, Oregon (2024-06-23)
Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus)
Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus) on Woolly Groundsel (Packera cana), Horse Ridge, Deschutes County, Oregon (2024-06-08)
White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)
White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2021-04-15)
Yellow-pine Chipmunk (Neotamias amoenus)
Yellow-pine Chipmunk (Neotamias amoenus), Deschutes County, Oregon (2020-09-17)
Male Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus)
Male Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus), Baker County, Oregon (2023-05-22)
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), Baker County, Oregon (2020-08-21)
Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger)
Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger), Three Island Crossing State Park, Elmore County, Idaho (2023-05-04)
Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus)
Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2020-11-26)
Yellow-bellied Marmot (Marmota flaviventris)
Yellow-bellied Marmot (Marmota flaviventris), Sawatch Range, San Isabel National Forest, Chaffee County, Colorado (2009-06-19)
Aphonopelma saguaro
Aphonopelma saguaro at Saguaro National Park East, Pima County, Arizona (2021-11-19)
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus), Baker County, Oregon (2021-07-13)
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), Baker County, Oregon (2024-06-29)
Pacific Banana Slug (Ariolimax columbianus)
Pacific Banana Slug (Ariolimax columbianus), Mount Hood National Forest, Clackamas County, Oregon (2025-07-27)
Male Northern Red-shafted Flicker (Colaptes auratus ssp. cafer)
Male Northern Red-shafted Flicker (Colaptes auratus ssp. cafer), Baker County, Oregon (2025-07-06)
Tachina latianulum (a member of Bristle Flies)
Tachina latianulum (a member of Bristle Flies), Ochoco Mountains, Crook County, Oregon (2021-08-03)
Male Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus)
Male Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus), Baker County, Oregon (2024-06-27)
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2026-04-12)
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2016-04-15)
Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus) family
Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus) family, Elkhorn Mountains, Baker County, Oregon (2012-07-27)
Northern Rocky Mountains White-tailed Deer Fawn (Odocoileus virginianus)
Northern Rocky Mountains White-tailed Deer Fawn (Odocoileus virginianus), Baker County, Oregon (2020-08-23)
Cascades Frog (Rana cascadae)
Cascades Frog (Rana cascadae), Crater Creek, Deschutes National Forest, Deschutes County, Oregon (2021-07-08)
Williamson’s Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus)
Williamson’s Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus), Deschutes County, Oregon (2020-10-23)
Male Cassin’s Finch (Haemorhous cassinii)
Male Cassin’s Finch (Haemorhous cassinii), Baker County, Oregon (2024-06-27)
Female Northern Rocky Mountains White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Female Northern Rocky Mountains White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Baker County, Oregon (2020-08-23)
Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum)
Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum), Perilla Mountains, Cochise County, Arizona (2020-04-16)
Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens) in a mesquite tree
Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens) in a mesquite tree, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2022-04-01)
Black-footed Drone Fly (Eristalis hirta)
Black-footed Drone Fly (Eristalis hirta), Lookout Mountain, Deschutes National Forest, Deschutes County, Oregon (2022-07-10)
Indiscriminate Cuckoo Bumble Bee (Bombus insularis)
Indiscriminate Cuckoo Bumble Bee (Bombus insularis), Mount Hood National Forest, Clackamas County, Oregon (2025-07-20)
Male Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina)
Male Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina), Baker County, Oregon (2023-05-24)
Pachyta armata
Pachyta armata, Lookout Mountain, Deschutes National Forest, Deschutes County, Oregon (2022-07-10)
Arizona Mantis (Stagmomantis limbata)
Arizona Mantis (Stagmomantis limbata), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2017-11-08)
Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea)
Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea), Baker County, Oregon (2020-08-22)
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2026-04-07)
Female Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
Female Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis), Deschutes County, Oregon (2020-10-07)
Pacific Chorus Frog (Pseudacris regilla)
Pacific Chorus Frog (Pseudacris regilla), Baker County, Oregon (2023-08-26)
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) in a mesquite tree, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2020-11-23)
Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) in a mesquite tree
Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) in a mesquite tree, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2021-01-01)
Female Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus)
Female Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus), Baker County, Oregon (2025-07-06)
Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum) near our Tucson home
Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2017-04-13)
Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata)
Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata), Deschutes County, Oregon (2020-09-19)
Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)
Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2022-11-18)
Sonoran Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum ssp. cingulum)
Sonoran Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum ssp. cingulum), Tucson, Pima County, Arizona (2017-04-28)
Black-footed Drone Fly (Eristalis hirta)
Black-footed Drone Fly (Eristalis hirta), Mount Emily, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Union County, Oregon (2021-08-26)
