I went for a hike around the perimeter of the Bradshaw Meadow and surrounding hills. It started out as a quail chase as I tried to get some photographs of two Gambel's Quail. Eventually I caught up with the local herd of elk and spotted a few other critters along the way.

First up is a lizard lounging in the sun on a tree stump.

I spotted two Gambel's Quail and decided to follow them for a while.

They wouldn't let me get too close and they would disappear then reappear in the brush ahead.

One of the quail perched on a log.

Quail fluffing its feathers.

One of the quail perched on a log.

I got tired of chasing the quail so I let them scoot off into the sunset.

I stopped to watch a Common Buckeye butterfly on a flower.

Common Buckeye Butterfly

I spooked some white-tail does but they were too fast for a good shot.

I finally stumbled upon the local herd of elk.

Interesting shot of an elk cow sticking her tongue out at me as if she is saying "you can't catch me."

Part of the herd heading up the hill.

Part of the herd heading up the hill.

A young bull elk in velvet was bringing up the rear.

Cactus flower bloom on the way back home.