Desert Wildlife Architecture and Engineering

I always try to take notice of all types of wildlife architecture and engineering, mostly as a form of defensive situational awareness to be sure I'm not asking for trouble. It's often all too easy to disturb a snake under a wood pile, walk through a spider web, bump into a bee hive, or stand right front of a rodent or other vicious burrowing animal hole in the ground. Also, if at all possible I like to avoid haphazardly damaging delicate caves and caverns by just stomping around carelessly. Not only do I risk injury by hyper-extension of joints and tendons when I abruptly step on hollow ground, I also do unnecessary damage and harm to the friendly relations I'm trying to establish with the locals. All things considered, I try to be mindful of all of the homes around me, as I create a home for myself, my gardens, and eventually help to protect and expand the range and diversity of homes for wildlife.

Whenever I feel so motivated I'll photo document feats of architecture and engineering that impress and often humble me. I often wish it was as easy for me as it looks to be form them, to just dig a perfect circle in the sand that holds its shape and gives me an escape hatch to an underground world of cool respite from the baking desert heat. None-the-less, I'll keep learning and studying as an apprentice to these wild crafts-folk.