Corvus corax

Falco sparverius. This is a male...see the bluish wings?

Mono Lake is an interesting place. I drove the '76 Beemer R90/6 around here a few years ago in pre-digital days. I have only slide photos of the area.

Very nice. Do you use a t-pod for these or hand held?
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Mike,

Yes, a tripod and panorama gear.

Al Perry

600mm shot? Shadows are excellent...almost looks like snow.
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Mike,

About 300mm.

Al Perry

Great shot Al. What kind of mining was done here? Gold, presumably?

Man...Matt Dillon could have lived here. Where's Festus?

Wow. Every time I see old buildings like these, I wonder what the walls have witnessed and what they could tell you if you could understand them.

Ovis canadensis

Lontra canadensis, probably.

Mountain Cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii), probably.

Cinclus mexicanus

By george, that IS a snake! I wouldn't have believed it had I not seen it. This bad boy is supposed to be spending the winter underground with his buddies. Perhaps, this is the "snow snake" we're all heard about!
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Mike,

Snow snake?

Al Perry
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Snow snakes are legendary in this part of the country....on par with Yetis, Sasquatchs and the Great Flying Wompus said to be living near the Otter Pond just outside of Glenbeulah, WI. I've not ever seen it myself......but I've heard terrifying stories. lol

How close were you on this shot?
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Mike,

15-20 feet.

This coyote walked directly towards me and got withing 2-3 feet. He/She was inside my minimum focusing distance for my 100-400mm lens.

Al Perry
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Cool. I once had a similar experience with a fox while I was goose hunting. No camera.

Nice shot.

Canis latrans Are you sure that's a snake? Seems to me that snakes would be hard to come by in the snow.
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Mike,

Yes, it is a snake. I have a closeup shot of it. Have no idea what a snake is doing in 0 degree weather.

Al Perry

How do you deal with all that snow on your camera? Umbrella?
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Mike,

Too windy for umbrella most of the time. The snow either froze on the camera or the camera was too cold for the snow to stick. I don't worry about snow on the camera or lens other than lens fogging. I often shoot in the rain with my equipment which is water resistant.

Al Perry
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My D2x is similarly water-resistant........but I've always been hesitant to test it out. For me, this camera was a SIGNIFICANT investment and I can't afford to get another one.

Alces alces

This bad boy hasn't missed too many meals.

Cervus elaphus. Beautiful shot, Al.