Meet winter’s weird wildlife: veritable freaks of nature in some regards, sure to capture the imagination of the curious naturalist.

Vince Pinto
Nature Journeys: Nature’s Daring Dispersers
How animals, parasites, insects and plants get around.
Nature Journeys: Beguiling Biodiversity With a Bite
Grasshopper mice, robberflies and Mala mujer are three relatively obscure local species who deserve our attention, admiration and protection.
Nature Journeys: Science Fiction?
We are not about to turn into Venus overnight. We don’t have to, however, for there to be catastrophic consequences for life as we know it – and yes, that includes us.Â
Nature Journeys: Monsoonal Machinations
What other northern parts of the globe have weather patterns similar to our monsoon and how does our resulting flora and fauna compare to theirs?Â
Nature Journeys: Spring Bioblitz
One fine April day, binoculars in tow, I set out with the aim of finding, identifying, and appreciating as many species as I could.
Nature Journeys: Spring Migration
April is a prime time for birding in our Sky Island region, as resident, wintering, and neotropical migrants are all present.Â
Nature Journeys: Gray Hawk, Ghostly Grim Reaper
Though our Raven’s Nest Nature Sanctuary hosts many raptors, it is the 18-ounce gray hawks that capture my imagination the most. Their characteristic call is a lilting, haunting whistle.
Nature Journeys: Size and Shine of the Sexes
Sexual dimorphism abounds in the Sky Islands, from deer and jackrabbits to raptors, songbirds and rattlesnakes.
Nature Journeys: Winter’s Winged Wayfarers
The dead of winter in Arizona’s Sky Islands can be an exciting time for those who watch birds — especially this year.