March 23, 2017
I was walking in "The Thicket" this morning. There are no actual hiking trails, I just go where it is easiest to walk. This morning, I was moving slowly and happened to look down just before I took another step that would have put me right on top of this Western Diamondback. It was just laying on the ground, stretched out, not moving. I watched it for awhile, then it moved away, going over a brush pile and into the trees. I guess it must have tracking the scent of some sort of prey, it sure wasn't that interested in me. I estimate it was in the area of 4-5 ft. length.
It was too long to fit into one frame.
A Desert Orangetip, I think. If so, it will be a lifer buttefly. Update: Yes, a Desert Orangetip.
I've had a lot of trouble stacking the comet photos I took. Here's another take on it. In this one the comet is more diffuse but it is done without having to do two photos and cut and past the comet into the one with sharp stars. I think it looks better.
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