Tom Mangelsdorf, Author at A Peek at the Peak Magazine

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May19

You Got to Stop and Smell the Roses

Posted on May 19, 2016 | 2 comments

I walk just about every day of the year, and it’s usually a long walk. It’s a great way to exercise, and it gives me the opportunity to “Stop and Smell the Roses” as Mac Davis sang in his 1974 hit song. We don’t have too many native roses in the greater Pinnacle Peak area, but the desert does come alive every spring with beautiful blossoms that are just as magnificent as any rose. The following photographs are of blooms and other...

May15

Cactus Wren – Arizona’s State Bird

Posted on May 15, 2016 | 0 comments

By Tom Mangelsdorf Cactus Wrens are fairly common throughout the southwest and especially in Northeast Scottsdale. They were officially recognized as Arizona’s state bird in 1931. These birds, about the size of a common Robin, build their nests in several varieties of cactus such as the staghorn cholla. The male and female Cactus Wrens mate for life. The male will often build several nests during the spring and the female may lay...

Apr25

Kit Fox – An Adorable Desert Denizen

Posted on Apr 25, 2016 | 0 comments

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a unique photography workshop hosted by the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center (SWCC). The workshop was led by Randy Babb, a biologist with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and an accomplished photographer. He provided a wealth of knowledge about the animals and some invaluable tips and advice on how best to photograph them to the small group of photographers in the workshop....