3:00 snapshot #773: vacation update...what is this, 6 maybe?
Here we are in yet another exotic Oregon location, this time with our beer bellies prominently displayed. Where are we? Well here's a hint: we followed a series of alarming signs along the road to get in.
And I'm not talking about the signs that said "Noah's Ark Biblical History Museum. Lunch $4.95" although we did pass those signs. I kind of wish we had gone there, but I couldn't talk my dad and brother into it.
Holy shit! What are these people trying to sell?
Oh, okay, I think I get it.
They're trying to scare us into believing these zebras are watching us and would eat us if we got out of the car. They aren't even looking at us!
This cow is very exotic, and if I'd purchased the guide at the drive-through window I'd tell you what it is. Suffice it to say, that's a rather non-exotic brown-headed cowbird on its back.
The brown-headed cowbird, by the way, evolved to hang around with these animals: American bison, cluttering up the road only a few hundred miles from where they used to roam in the millions.
Some more native North American animals: these brown bears, wallowing in a big muddy puddle on a hot sunny day. Oh, by the way, this is all taking place in Wildlife Safari, a drive-through zoo in southern Oregon.
It's a beautiful place, and somehow different from what I expected, though I'm not sure exactly how. These deer were more nervous of us than any of the other animals, most of whom weren't attracted to the car nor afraid of it.
At this point I really wished I'd bought that guide, 'cause what the hell kind of duck is this?
This is a muscovy duck, that I can tell you. This is in the smaller walk-through zoo (the Village). Muscovy ducks are the other species of duck, other than mallards, that have been domesticated. Despite the name, the wild ducks are native to Mexico and Central America.
And this HOLY CRAP LOOK AT THAT HEADGEAR is some kind of goose. Looks like a domestic goose that someone bred to emphasize that comical knob, but if you know any different, please set me straight.
A keeper encounter with a sunning snake!
A happy ball python!