Apache Junction & Lower Salt River, AZ (3/13 & 3/14/2019)

Thankfully, I finally found a location in Apache Junction that provides a fairly unobscured view both east and west for sunset viewing.  Even if the western skies are too clear for good color, the setting sun can light up mountains in the east, giving them a dramatic look.  That's why I try to go out every evening, even if there are no clouds in the sun's path.  Here is an example where the western sky was bland, but the Goldfield Mountains north and east benefited from the effects of the lower sun.

About twenty miles from Apache Junction, Lower Salt River Recreation Area is a large tract within the Tonto National Forest.  There are ten individual sites offering hiking, biking, picnic facilities, camping, birding, and water activities in the river and Saguaro Lake (formed by Stewart Mountain Dam).  What really makes it special, however, is the herd of wild horses that roam the thousands of acres that make up the recreation area.  Depending on whom you ask, the herd numbers 350 to 500.  It is one of the healthiest herds I've seen, partly due to the lush vegetation in their territory and partly due to the efforts of the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group.  This group of volunteers works with the Forest Service to care for sick or injured animals and perform birth control (via darts that are effective for a year) to keep herd size within bounds.  You can learn more about the group at their web site here .

On this day, about 150 horses were hanging out at the Goldfield site.  I took only my long lens into the desert where the horses were, since that's what I had used in the past.  This time, however, the horses kept moving closer, sometimes making it impossible to get the entire horse in the frame, resulting in many head shots.  The rule is to allow 50 feet of "personal space", but the horses don't always follow the rules.

One youngster was wandering around, separated from his mother.  When they found each other, there was a whole lot of nuzzling going on.

Stallions use "stud piles" to mark their territory, but out here they all share the same territory.  One guy started toward me on his way to a stud pile, causing me to back up quickly and open the lens to its widest, trying to get the entire horse in the photo.  He immediately trampled the stud pile, showing disrespect for its owner, who charged the transgressor to teach some respect.  Unfortunately, I was unable to capture the entire event due to being too close.

That same morning, I visited the nearby Coon Bluff site, a good place to see birds.  There's also a good view of Red Mountain.

While I was standing on the river bank trying to photograph a small bird, I looked up to see a bald Eagle flying by.  After a few shots, the eagle wheeled and came directly toward me, eventually getting so close his wings didn't fit the frame.

Heading back to Apache Junction, I spotted a backyard that was wall-to-wall daisies, except for a few farm implements on display.