Golden Glow

This beautiful sunset was photographed in Kenya. I have seen many beautiful sunsets in east Africa.

A Favorite Wolf Dog

I volunteered at a wolf and wolf-dog rescue in New Mexico for a few years, serving as photographer and web page manager. 

I absolutely loved visiting the animals. There was nothing like sitting in a pen with one of these magnificent animals, all of which had been rescued from abusive or neglectful conditions.

One of my favorite animals was Wihopa, the beautiful animal in this photograph. She was saved from a horrendous life in Arizona, along with her brother. They are Alaskan malamute/gray wolf crosses. Sadly, her brother passed away in 2015, leaving this beautiful and friendly girl on her own. Her brother was more aloof, but Wihopa loves attention and eagerly greets visitors. 

I have always liked this photo of a very special wolf dog, who appears to be ready to step out of the picture.

Time to Play

These two lion cubs in South Africa's Kruger National Park just woke up from a long nap and decided to engage in a bit of play. Lionesses and cubs are quite affectionate. The adult lions were trying to get a few more minutes of sleep.

These cubs, along with some other cubs and a couple of adult lionesses, were soon to set off on their evening hunt. The park was in the throes of a long drought, so the cubs were quite thin.

 

Beautiful Red-Head

This beautiful bird is the red-headed barbet.

It is found in humid highland forests in Costa Rica and Panama, as well as in the Andes in western Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia and far northern Peru. These colorful birds eat bananas and other fruits. Only the male has the brilliant red coloring.

This photo was taken in 2016 during a wildlife photography trip to Costa Rica.

Flying Cow

Airabelle, Creamland Dairies's cow-shaped balloon, is always a crowd favorite at the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Creamland was founded by a group of New Mexico dairy farmers in 1937. The cow balloon is owned and piloted by a man from British Columbia, Canada. Airabelle is one of, if not the, largest of the special shapes balloons at the fiesta every year. 

The 2017 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will be held Oct. 7-15.