Colorful maple leaves covering the yard, crisp temperatures in the 40′s and a generous expanse of sunshine. A good excuse to visit the 64-acre Oregon Zoo in the West Hills of Portland, about one crow-flying mile from home.

Many of the birds and animals were clearly enjoying the cool, sunny day, especially the big predators with their heavy winter coats. And, unlike warm summer days, I didn’t have much competition from other visitors. It was a grand time to be visiting.

Compared to the difficulty of photographing animals in the wild, the Zoo is a true pleasure. The following are a few of the photos from my two-mile meandering journey through the Zoo grounds.

A Twilight Movie participant?

Giraffe

Black Bear

Bald Eagle

Zebra

Puma

Wart Hog

A lizard (asleep at the wheel)

Wild Pig

African Antelope