Vertebrates but not birds

Clark's Spiny Lizard One of the reasons I love to go places is because of the wonderful forms of life which naturally exist.  The advantage of  global diversity is that you don't get the same things everywhere, although we seem to be trying awfully hard to achieve that nefarious goal.  Starlings are just about a planet wide phenomenon, and things like fire ants, cane toads, and lion fish are making significant inroads.  Many of these creatures are invasive, and in the process are out competing or just downright killing the local inhabitants. The above reptile, Clark's spiny lizard, was photographed by me during a sunny morning walk in Joshua Tree National Park.  It was basking, a behaviour geared to helping it maintain a heightened body temperature to help in the acquisition, digestion and assimilation of food.  It is mostly insectivorous but will also take smaller arachnids and some plant material.  Warmer temperatures allow it to increase its m...

Profile view of a Townsend Chipmunk - not a good day. It was a dreary day on a long car ride, and the need for a break became a commonplace thought in our minds.  Our jaunt in Washington State was punctuated with beautiful park areas; a sign up ahead promised a lovely forested walk.  So we pulled over with hiking gear in hand and a camera at the ready just in case some creature of the wilderness should venture into view. Our hopes proved true and the path we sauntered along was pleasant and relative slope free.  It passed through a pine woodland which had a rich earthy scent with it; the rain had stopped an hour or two ago.  We passed some fallen logs; the trail was free of debris, and it was quiet as we were the only trespassers present.  The quality of the trail was, however, well made; it would not be long before someone else shared our experience. We came to a good spot to stop and have a break.  Backpacks were opened and canteens emptied of wha...