Dec 19 2015

Inspired Sights

Melissa Crytzer Fry

I know I’ve been horribly neglectful of my blog the past several months, but before the year ends, I wanted to leave you with a pictorial view of the things that have inspired me during this bit of online silence (Click to enlarge so you can see the fine details!).

Happy holidays and fabulous new year to all!

Raindrops on mesquite through the sunrise.

Raindrops on mesquite through the sunrise.

Resident roadrunner - aka "Roadie" - peeking in the window.

Resident roadrunner – aka “Roadie” – in front of sliders after pecking on kitchen window.

Lynx spider (so named because of its ability to leap on its prey) tending to its catch (a bee).

Lynx spider (named because of its ability to leap on its prey) tending to its catch.

Breathtaking desert sunrise with saguaro in foreground.

Breathtaking desert sunrise with saguaro in foreground.

Tiny desert tortoise (half the size of a makeup compact) who visited frequently during our monsoon season.

Tiny desert tortoise (half the size of a makeup compact) who visited frequently during our monsoon season.

Giant robber fly with a beetle in its grasp.

Giant robber fly with a beetle in its grasp.

If you look closely, you'll see our American flag reflected in three of these raindrops.

If you look closely, you’ll see our American flag reflected in three of these raindrops.

One of four giant swarms of Africanized bees on our property. Yes, awe-inspiring!

One of four giant swarms of Africanized bees on our property. Yes, awe-inspiring!

One of two coyote pups captured on our trail camera.

One of two coyote pups captured on our trail camera.

Fun discovery as I was photographing milkweed bugs and aphids… This still unidentified chrysalis.

Fun discovery as I was photographing milkweed bugs and aphids… This still-unidentified chrysalis.

My role as a citizen scientist in a local research program revealed fewer Mexican Long-Tongued bats (endangered) at our feeder, but staying 2 months longer before southern migration.

My role as a citizen scientist in a local research program for nectar-eating bats revealed fewer Mexican Long-Tongued bats (endangered) at our feeder this season, AND they stayed 2 months longer — through mid-December — before making their southern migration.

What's not to inspire? Love this view in the mountains in front of our home (during camping trip).

What’s not to inspire? Love this view in the mountains in front of our home (during camping trip).

And finally … nature's ability to transform (that WAS our driveway) is always impressive.

And finally … nature’s ability to transform (that WAS our driveway) is always impressive.

 


22 Responses to “Inspired Sights”

  • Christine Grote Says:

    I too have neglected my blog. I’m rethinking the matter. Thanks for the inspiring photos. The bat project is particularly cool.

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    Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:

    Thanks, Christine. Yes – in 2016 – I need to be more attentive to my blogging, or at the very least, posting images! I adore the bats, despite the guano stains on every porch.

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  • robin hanna Says:

    hi just beautiful…don’t feel bad or neglectful because the photos are always beautiful and we can look whenever we want!

    [Reply]

    Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:

    Thanks for the support, Robin. Have a great holiday and new year.

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  • Cherry Says:

    Missed you but wow photos …merry Christmas to you and the best of New Year’s
    Cherryx

    [Reply]

    Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:

    Hi Cherry! Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you, as well. I hope all is well.

    [Reply]

  • Nina Says:

    Your environment never ceases to amaze me!

    [Reply]

    Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:

    And me, too. Will never grow tired of living this close to wildlife. Of course, you have to really be looking to see some of these critters (that spider would never have been photographed, if my head weren’t down in the flowering weeds as I tugged away at them!)

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  • Cynthia Robertson Says:

    Time away can be just the ticket to recharge the creative batteries, Melissa. You’ve obviously been using the time well, to judge by the beauty of these images you’ve captured!

    [Reply]

    Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:

    Thanks, Cynthia. There is just always something to see out there when we look! Happy holidays.

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  • Sonja Yoerg Says:

    Wow, amazing shots, Melissa. The bee swarm was particularly spectacular, but watch out for those Africanized bees! We’ve ordered some tame Russian ones for our new spring hives.

    Happiest of holidays to you and yours, and the best of the bestest in the New Year! xo

    [Reply]

    Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:

    I’ll have to send you photos of all the other swarms we had this year. Yes, particularly dangerous (the ones in a squirrel hole behind our house/next to our tractor). Send your tame Russian bees our way! Though did you know that estimates say 99.9% of all bees in Arizona are Africanized? Eeks!

    [Reply]

  • Laurie Buchanan Says:

    Melissa – I always enjoy taking time to pause with your beautiful photography. Thank you for sharing it.

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  • Christina Lasswell Says:

    Melissa, you live in an amazing place. I have enjoyed your pictures and blog for a couple of years. Like you, I see incredible things around me all the time here in the Midwest. Thanks for sharing!

    [Reply]

    Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:

    Hi Christina! Thanks for visiting. SO happy to hear you’ve been enjoying my posts for a few years. I grew up in the midwest and certainly appreciate its beauty as well (sometimes I DO miss that green grass and those leafy tress. But not snow… never snow!)

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  • Jessica McCann (@JMcCannWriter) Says:

    Gorgeous, every one. My favorite is the raindrops with the tiny American flag reflection. Amazing.

    [Reply]

    Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:

    Thanks, Jessica. That’s one of my favorites, too!

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  • Jackie Cangro Says:

    Gorgeous photos!
    Those bees are amazing! I’m curious what flowers they pollinate in your area?

    [Reply]

    Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:

    Thanks, Jackie! To get an idea of what they pollinate in my area, you can take a look at these wildflowers:http://bit.ly/1FpnWUa, http://bit.ly/1GgAnC4, http://bit.ly/1CR5ygj. Plus, up until November, they like a plant we have here that grows wild — desert tobacco (among others). And for the first time this year, I’ve seen them raiding my hummingbird feeder!

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  • Annie Neugebauer Says:

    Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Happy holidays, Melissa!

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    Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:

    Thanks, Annie. I hope you had a fabulous holiday. Get any good books? 🙂

    [Reply]

  • Leah Says:

    Such beautiful photos! I especially love the raindrops through the sunshine photo. Thanks for being a part of my blogging life in 2015. Happy New Year!

    [Reply]

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