Greeting Committee (Tap to Enlarge)~

On By cindy knokeIn Conservation, MY PHOTOGRAPHS, REVERIES, TRAVEL REVIEWS, Wild Life

We are here at Death Valley National Park because the snow and precipitation in California for the past two years has been unprecedented and we wanted to see the wildflower super bloom in the hottest place on earth. We also wanted to see Lake Manly, the ancient lake in Death Valley that only rarely fills during strong El Nino events. We are seeing both of these amazing wonders, but before I show you, we have to acknowledge and thank, ‘The Official Death Valley Greeting Committe.’ (Members are wild and all volunteer, I should add!)

Here is one wild burro diligently performing her greeting duties. No food was exchanged in any of these interactions. Pats and pets, yes, but not by me.

The wild burros are just very friendly critters. I try to keep safe distance from wild creatures, no matter how friendly, which was hard because they kept coming towards me for a pat.

Last time we were here we searched forever to find the wild burros and almost gave up, until we finally found them. I had never seen them before. Here is the post I did about them:

Death Valley’s Wild Burros~

This time, they seemed to be waiting by the roadside to say, “Hello!”

Wild burros,

are winsome creatures.

Playful and affectionate with each other,

and welcoming to humans,

who are respectful towards them.

Cheers to you from Death Valley’s beautiful wild burros~

Discover more from Cindy Knoke

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

224 thoughts on “Greeting Committee (Tap to Enlarge)~”

  1. The burrows are so cute. I would have pet one. I don’t think I could have resisted.
    You said last time they were hard to find, but this time they were waiting. I wonder what. that speaks to?
    Gorgeous shots, Cindy, thank you!
    PS> I must admit This popped into my mail while I was checking the in box. I raced over to see if I would be the first to “like”. I raced to the bottom of the post before I looked, or read.
    I was the first!!! Usually I’m in the 125- 200 range.
    Anyway, I did go back ad read and look.
    Couldn’t resist being the first “like! ❦❦

    Reply

    1. Resa. You crack me up!!! You are always number 1 in everyone’s book my friend, including mine!!! The burros are heart breakers without a doubt. I think we should adopt some resuces for The Holler. They live to chase coyotes! Love to you and stay safe & well 🫏🫏

      Reply

  5. Well not first, but honored to be early. Cindy I think, reason aside, this (and the older one) may be my mostest favorites. I knew you’d have something more “to say” and you did. Your life is interesting. A lot. Me and creatures, my rule, if they don’t wanna eat me, then we’re friends. Mostly I think should be signs that say, “dangers, humans here.” So many wild creatures I’ve seen of, when not provoked or killed by us, include a decidedly friendly ingredient. You know… great post, thanks.

    Reply

    1. I agree with everything you are saying Neil. As ususal! Wild burros and horses in California have been hounded, rounded up, and destroyed, and still they thrive and are interested and curious when they meet respectful people. I love them all. Thank you Neil for your kind thoughtfulness and be well my friend 🫏

      Reply

  8. The burros are amazing. I wonder how they stand the heat. Maybe it’s cooler now in the spring and with all that vegetation to eat, they are easier to find this time? Also looking forward to your pics of the desert flowers!

    Reply

    1. This desert is an unremitting oven in the summer. It even cooks at night. It is so unforgiving. The fact that they prosper and thrive is a miracle that amazes me 🫏🫏

      Reply

  9. They are beautiful creatures, the white nose and their eyes! I guess they knew you were coming. (Let’s go greet them folks who were looking for us the other day. Day? Yeah, well, time flies in the dessert.) They must be sturdy animals, being able to survive in such a bleak invironment! Cool pictures Cindy!

    Reply

    1. They are full bore dorbs. Seeing them was like Christmas! It amazes me how creatures can survive in such incredibly hostile environments. It seems to irritate some folks, but it fills me with such awe and respect 🫏🫏

      Reply

  12. “I try to keep safe distance from wild creatures, no matter how friendly” – here is yet another one of many reasons why I adore you, Cindy! You get it; you think like a scientist and compassionate human. ❤️ Acclimatizing wildlife to humans is, in the end, good for neither. Love your photos of these adorable creatures!

    Reply

  15. Cindy, what would I do without your “enlightenment” posts!
    I loved the first post, too – that’s amazing the history you continue to cover not only with your cameras but also with your words!!
    Thank you so very much for posting!! Enjoy your trip

    Reply

  17. I read both posts and found them interesting. I didn’t know there were wild burrows in Death Valley, but it makes sense. I’m surprised there were so many if they are rounding the up and relocating them. Great pictures, Cindy.

    Reply

  18. They are completely adorable and so affectionate with each other. Yes – when they’re very friendly and wanting attention like that, it’s hard not to comply. Good that people aren’t feeding them, though. Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos, Cindy. 😊

    Reply

    1. Yes. After studying and searching for an entire day, we found them the first time. This time, they were waiting for us on the side of the road. Always out of the park. They know they are not safe in the park 🫏🫏

      Reply

  37. I wonder if they are related to Zebra’s with that stripe on their shoulders Cindy? But they are cute. I was in a zoo one day and thought I was a great animal lover…and their resident donkey bit me as soon as it came up to me. I don’t think he liked being fenced in and wanted me to put in a protest for him 🤗🥰🤣❤️🙏

    Reply

    1. Wonderful to hear from you and you are so exactly right. I was struck by how healthy they were. Not a tick or parasite in sight, bright eyed, well nourished, with healthy hooves. Made me quite happy. Hope all is well with you my friend 🫏🫏

      Reply

  45. Good morning, dear Cindy,
    we thought that the death valley is much more barren.
    We used these burrows when we lived on a Greek island without proper roads. They usually had their own will.
    Thanks for sharing
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Reply

  46. We were sad to see them and the horses and cows out in the Congress AZ area left to fend for themselves, as we here in the northeast don’t have this variety of wild in our backyards they are very well cared for.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to arleneCancel reply