Payson Roundup

Living the easy life at the lake in Green Valley Park, Bryan Swanson reels in his line as something has been tugging at it. Unfortunately, not a fish, just some weeds. Swanson took advantage of the no fishing license rule for the day during the Wildflife Fair.

Photo by Andy Towle

After putting the paddles together, arranging the canoes, and checking on life preservers, Rick and Kelley Fowke debate where to place the kayaks that are just arriving by truck during the Wildlife Fair.

Photo by Andy Towle

Casey Cline asks the Arizona Game and Fish attendant if the owl perched in front of him is real or not, just as the owl turns its head almost all the way around.

Photo by Andy Towle

Lettie Connell gets a close up picture of a black tailed prairie dog while husband Robert Connell patiently waits. This species of prairie dog has a range that reaches from Canada, in the north, all the way to Mexico.

Photo by Andy Towle

Emma Creighton, left, and Neve Sopeland, get iinstructions on how to paddle and navigate a canoe from Frank Gazzano, before they ventured out onto the water, Saturday, May 9, during the Wildlife Fair, at Green Valley Park.

Photo by Andy Towle

Always a popular attraction at the Wildlife Fair, this huge, recently fed, Python had hands all over it as children touched it, petted it and generally kept their hands on it as much as they could while it was on the grass at Green Valley Park. No doubt the children had hardly ever been this close to a creature so large and the opportunity to find out what it felt like was a temptation too difficult to resist. By the way, they don't feel slimy at all, but rather soft and smooth, unless of course you feel against the scales.

Photo by Andy Towle

Dana Warnecke assembles paddles as the Arizona Game and Fish crew work diligently to set up the various booths and stations in anticipation of the crowds to arrive and try out just about everything that is offered; including archery, fly casting, boating and fishing. Not to mention the myriad of creatures on display.

Photo by Andy Towle

Looking like Joe Cool, in his fashionable sunglasses, Craig Bryd checks out the cameras dangling from this photographer's neck, as he asks if there is a video camera anywhere it sight. Not today, Craig, not today.

Photo by Andy Towle

A Harris Hawk checks out the vertical, wingless, two legged, two armed, life forms who don't fly, as diligently as she is observed by the many passersby, during this comfortably warm Saturday. The Harris Hawk is named after a friend and financial supporter of John James Audubon, Edward Harris. It is one of the only birds of prey (raptors) that hunt in family packs.

Photo by Andy Towle

This Burrowing owl looks like it just woke up. Unlike most owls this breed does hunt during the day, but mostly at dawn and dusk and avoids the mid-day Arizona heat, even if it is just a dry heat. They make their homes in burrows, usually those abandoned by prairie dogs.

Photo by Andy Towle

Neve Sopeland listens intently to Frank Gazzano's instructions as she is in the rear of the canoe and must guide the directionher, and Emma Creighton will be going while they are paddling around the lake in Green Valley Park.

Photo by Andy Towle

Taking this kayak out for a test run, Debbie Huntsman seems to know her way around this particular aquatic environment.

Photo by Andy Towle

Lou Popke checks out the fishing kits available at one of the booths at the Wildlife Fair, at Green Valley Park.

Photo by Andy Towle

Kalyn Meeske get a helping hand from Dewayne Tabbot as she gets a feel for flycasting at the Wildlife Fair at Green Valley Park, Saturday, May 9.

Photo by Andy Towle

Jessica Bryd, left, and son Craig, enjoy the afternoon delight of a quiet, warm day at the large lake in Green Valley Park, during the Wildlife Fair, Saturday, May 9.

Photo by Andy Towle