"Ursa Minor--Ursus Americanus on Summer Solstice" Ahh--my little "Ursa Minor" --but not the constellation, --the bear! (Ursus americanus). This darling yearling cub sat on a branch in the forest of the Kenai Peninsula National Wildlife Sanctuary on Skilak Lake Road, back-lit and gilded by the midday sun on the eve of Summer Solstice in Alaska (June 20, 2014). We were extra watchful when photographing this darling cub from the protection of our vehicle--as mom is undoubtedly close by! Irresistible! This was photographed during my annual "Magic of Alaska" Photography workshop and tour.

"Mini Moose and Mama" A mother moose (Alces alces) tends to its young calf--only about 2 weeks old-- in the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska during my Magic of Alaska workshop (2014). Moose are often difficult to photograph in a beautiful way because they are almost always behind bushes, trees, or in poor light. Alternatively, they will sometimes stand in the open; however, an open field is not very photographically pleasing to the eye. This particular moment it all came together after some patient observing on the part of the photographer!

"Nose to Knows" This coastal brown bear (Ursus arctos) sow knows exactly how to have a mother-to-cub moment while teaching her cub how to fish in the remote (no-road access) waters of Big River Lake in Alaska. Accessible via fly-in float plane, we had some spectacular views of 10 bears in one day (June 2014) that were beyond amazing.... we have had so many special moments during this year's "Magic of Alaska" photography tour and workshop! Consider joining me for a future year's trip!

"On My Own" This 3-year-old coastal brown bear cub (ursus arctos) is on his own for the first time this year, after spending the first two years under the protection of his mother. Sows "kick out" their cubs typically during their 3rd year of age after tending to them until that point. This bear had to remember all he had learned about fishing, hunting, and "being a bear." This was photographed in Big River Lake, a remote (float-plane-only-access) lake west of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska during my annual "Magic of Alaska" photography tour and workshop.

Round-Tailed Ground Squirrel (Xerospermophilus tereticaudus) live in the desert of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. Tiny, they only weigh about 4.4 ounces as adults.

Round-Tailed Ground Squirrel (Xerospermophilus tereticaudus) live in the desert of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. Tiny, they only weigh about 4.4 ounces as adults.

"Soaking up the Sun" A Coyote (Canis latrans), also known as a "Song Dog," because of it's haunting voice, sprints toward its prey at Gilbert Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona

"Out of the Mouths of Caves"

"Out of the Mouths of Caves" These young Cliff Chipmunks (Tamias dorsalis) climped out of a tiny cave of tock, mortar and brick at Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, Arizona. The young were just starting to learn how to leave the nest and explore the nearby area. Upon returning, they would greet one another with a nose-to-nose gesture as shown here. It was the sweetest little moment to observe...

"Los Ojos" ("The Eyes") This Coyote (Canis latrans) was photographed in the Phoenix, Arizona area, hunting alone in a field early one morning. I especially loved the back lit grasses that added a softness to this image. ©2013 Lisa Langell. All Rights Reserved.

"Early Morning Riser" This Coyote (Canis latrans) was photographed in the Phoenix, Arizona area, hunting alone in a field early one morning. I especially loved the back lit grasses that added a softness to this image. ©2013 Lisa Langell. All Rights Reserved.

"Greetings"

"Greetings" A Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) greeted our boat during the 2013 "Magic of Alaska" wildlife photography tour and workshop in the Kenai Peninsula area of Alaska.