The Sonoyta Mud Turtle is only found in small parts of Sonora, Mexico, and a single small pond in extreme southern Arizona – a stone’s throw from the border. Here is one of several seen on an afternoon visit to this pool, swimming around just under the surface, going after insects and poking through clumps […]

On this relatively small desert island off the coast of Baja California Sur, there is little to worry about from predators. A variety of ocean-going birds nest here as a result, right in the open on the ground in large numbers. This leaves every rock in the area covered in endless strata of bird poop […]

A trio of Black-Capped Squirrel Monkeys trying to make sense of visitors. Loreto, Peru, 2026.

The Tucuxi (Sotolia fluviatalis) is one of a handful of dolphins living throughout the Amazon River complex. This is not the more famous Boto (Pink River Dolphin), but is often found swimming in groups alongside them. This was one of a few in such a mixed group, surfacing here and there with some larger Boto […]

A metallic green jewel of the Amazon – Two-Striped Forest Pitviper, from Peru a few years back.

Amazon Harlequin Toad (Atelopus spumarius) from Peru a couple of years ago.

A Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake from a mountain range near Phoenix. In this area, this species is usually this orange-cream or brown. This one was found on a rocky hillside earlier in 2025. Cochran, C. (2019). Variation in morphology, diet, and venom composition in Crotalus pyrrhus (Cope 1867). Doctoral dissertation, Loma Linda University. https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3590&context=etd

New Mexico Ridgenosed Rattlesnake, Crotalus willardi obscurus. This adult was found in high-elevation woodland in northern Mexico.

Collared Treerunners (Plica plica) are one of the larger arboreal lizards seen occasionally hiking in Peru. At night they sleep in trees, mostly high and out of sight. But sometimes they are in the understory and can be photographed.

Speckled Rattlesnakes are often seen by hikers in Phoenix, who can be surprised that wildlife can be found even on hiking trails in the middle of the city. If you’ve ever hiked Camelback, you’ve likely walked right past at least one of these beautiful pink animals. They’re very cryptic though, so not many people will […]