I had the pleasure of hiking at the Pinnacles National Monument. I took many pictures that weekend, and thought I would post some of the animal life that I was able to catch on film! Or, well, in digital life!
Hiking through the caves to the reservoir, I was able to capture garter snakes in the plants along the shorelines... There seemed to be dozens. Maybe due to the frogs that also hide in the plants.
Along the shorelines are dragonflies like this along with damselflies... The difference is dragonfly wings stay sticking out, whereas damslefly's wings fold back along the body.
This little lizard with seen up near the high peaks, on the trail.
This large wasp with red wings is several inches long. It is called a tarantula hawk, and feasts on spiders and the many tarantula species that roam the park. It was also seen on the High Peaks Trail.
This is a California Condor, re-released here in the park. With a 10 foot wingspan, they are majestic to see flying. This was seen along with many others up on the high peaks trail.
This deer was seen near the campsites.
There is a tree behind the pool near the day use area, where the turkey vultures seem to roost for the night. So head over there in the evening and see the dozens upon dozens that are hanging out there for the night.
When I just arrived at the park, I saw this little fella hanging out on the side of the road. (Wild Turkey)
This acorn woodpecker was spotted near the Bear Gulch Visitors Center near the day use area hiding acorns, and rearranging them to new places in the tree.
This appears to be a desert cottontail rabbit, seen hanging around the campsites, not afraid of people.
This little squirrel was just hanging around the campgrounds.
Now there are so many I didn't get pictures of... I didn't get pictures of the raccoons, the red tailed hawk I saw, some small rodents, and various birds.
If you visit Pinnacles National Monument, don't forget your camera!
-Chris Alston
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