'MundiI think this Coatimundi is Italian-American. As one I can share that only an Italian-American can talk with its hands the way this one appears to be doing. I imagine if it could speak it would be saying, "Hey! Look! I'm eatin' here."

This is the world famous Santa Rita Lodge Coati, a wild animal that has figured out that hummingbird feeders make for good drinking. As we watched it tipped the feeder into its waiting mouth, tongue slurping frantically and nectar spilling wantonly down its chest. When it had its fill, it meticulously licked every last drop off its chest legs and paws before casually walking back into the forest. I have heard that it visits the feeders daily, which is incredible because at Santa Rita Lodge the seating is less than five feet from the feeders. Clearly, this 'mundi has no fear of the humans raptly enjoying its antics.

A member of the Racoon family the Coatimundi is at the northmost part of its range in Arizona. While prevalent south of the US border down through South America it ranges in the US are confined to southern parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Gregarious and familial, troops as large as 40 individuals can be found at altitudes between 4,000 and 7,000 feet.

The coatimundi is just one of the species that thrive in the Sky Island region of the Southern Arizona High Desert. As the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the United States this region provides a continual adventure for any willing to explore its wonders. On the day we spied this Coati we also enjoyed observing the rare Blue-throated Hummingbird (on the same feeder as the Coati) and the very rare White-throated Thrush.

I am grateful for the privilege of seeing and sharing this beautiful creature and humbled by the grace of God for the honor. I remain dedicated to being His scribe.
Shoot Date: January 12, 2019
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority ¹⁄₂₅₀ sec at f/5.6 0 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 150 mm
ISO: 100

I think this Coatimundi is Italian-American. As one I can share that only an Italian-American can talk with its hands the way this one appears to be doing.  I imagine if it could speak it would be saying, "Hey! Look! I'm eatin' here." 

This is the world famous Santa Rita Lodge Coati, a wild animal that has figured out that hummingbird feeders make for good drinking. As we watched it tipped the feeder into its waiting mouth, tongue slurping frantically and nectar spilling wantonly down its chest.  When it had its fill, it meticulously licked every last drop off its chest legs and paws before casually walking back into the forest. I have heard that it visits the feeders daily, which is incredible because at Santa Rita Lodge the seating is less than five feet from the feeders. Clearly, this 'Mundi has no fear of the humans raptly enjoying its antics. 

A member of the Racoon family the Coatimundi is at the northmost part of its range in Arizona. While prevalent south of the US border down through South America it ranges in the US are confined to southern parts of  Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Gregarious and familial, troops as large as 40 individuals can be found at altitudes between 4,000 and 7,000 feet.  

The coatimundi is just one of the species that thrive in the Sky Island region of the Southern Arizona High Desert. As the most biologically diverse ecosystem in the United States this region provides a continual adventure for any willing to explore its wonders. On the day we spied this Coati we also enjoyed observing the rare Blue-throated Hummingbird (on the same feeder as the Coati) and the very rare White-throated Thrush. 

I am grateful for the privilege of seeing and sharing this beautiful creature and humbled by the grace of God for the honor. I remain dedicated to being His scribe. 

'Mundi
©RGallucci Photography
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Shoot Date: January 12, 2019
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority ¹⁄250 sec at f/5.6 0 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 150 mm
ISO: 100