Jaeger's Blog

To look at things is very different from seeing it – Oscar Wilde

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The Playful Romance of River Otters

In the serene landscapes of rivers and waterways, a charming dance of nature unfolds as river otters engage in their delightful mating rituals. For the first time ever Jackie and I were able to witness their behavior. River otters often form close-knit family groups. These groups typically consist of a dominant breeding pair and their offspring…...

Yearly visitors – White-faced Ibis

Arizona's vast and diverse landscapes are not just a haven for adventurers and nature enthusiasts; they are also home to a myriad of fascinating bird species. Among these avian treasures is the striking White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi), a bird that captivates with its subtle elegance.The White-faced Ibis is a migratory bird found throughout North and…...

Rare encounter – Coatimundis

I recently learned about a population of Coatis at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum – the oldest and largest botanical garden in Arizona. While we have been living in the United States since 2009, I only saw one Coati several years ago. I could not miss this opportunity to get a closer look at these adorable…...

A Tender Christmas Tribute

As we approach the holiday season, a mix of emotions envelops this time of celebration. This Christmas holds a special significance - it's the first without my beloved mom, who sadly left us in June, and a close friend, who passed in September. Their absence is deeply felt, adding a touch of melancholy to the…...

Coyote encounter at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Gilbert, AZ

Coyotes (Canis latrans) play a vital role in Arizona's diverse ecosystems, adapting seamlessly to the state's arid and varied landscapes. Commonly found throughout the region, these highly adaptable canids are known for their intelligence and resourcefulness. In Arizona, coyotes thrive in a range of environments, from deserts and grasslands to urban areas.Their diet is incredibly…...

Coyote Buttes South – An alternative to The Wave

We are leaving the hotel just after 6am to be at the turn off from House Rock Road to the narrow, sandy road that leads to Cottonwood Cove just before sunrise.The sand seems to be deeper than we remember it and we don’t know yet how our new car will handle it, so it is…...

Wahweap Hoodoos Trail

Upon coming back from The Wave yesterday, we played the daily lottery for Coyote Buttes South for tomorrow and luckily won it. So, today we have to go the office in Page to pick up our permit at 9am, which is not too bad since we wanted to take it easy today.After picking up the…...

2nd visit to North Coyote Buttes – The Wave

The main reason for our trip to Page: Marco won the lottery for a permit to The Wave again! It’s his 4th time winning, but only our second visit! Last time (in March) we couldn’t go because of the weather, but this time the conditions are perfect. It’s not too cold, the roads are dry…...

Hiking Wire Pass Trail and Buckskin Gulch

As a training hike for tomorrow we decide to do a "shorter" hike through Wire Pass Trail and Buckskin Gulch. Frank, who joined us for this trip, has never been here and we want to show him this great alternative to the overly crowded Antelope Canyon in Page.Due to the dry conditions we can walk…...

Visiting North America’s Largest Flying Bird

As usual on our way to Page we stop at the Navajo Bridge to see if there are any California Condors hanging out in the area.We are lucky to see more than a dozen birds on the bridge and the nearby cliffs. We speak with a guy from the “Peregrine Fund” who is in charge…...