Springtime in the Desert

 

Saguaro Cactus in Bloom - Saguaro National Park

With the arrival of 85F daytime peaks, or higher, the desert is blooming.  Birds are also mating and so there are a lot of activity.  I think the best times for wildlife viewing are at dawn or shortly thereafter.

Early morning the air is cool at 60F and the wildlife activity for the day is just beginning.  We see doves, raptors, woodpeckers and a variety of smaller birds in the National Park.  The larger birds pick a saguaro to perch on, while the smaller perch in Palo Verde's and shrubs.

On the other hand, the pollen count is quite high as Palo Verde's and a variety of shrubs and cacti are in bloom.

In the area, on the ground we see rabbits, lizards, and occasionally coyote and javelinas.  These generally avoid humans, so to see them one must be alert and stealthy. 

There is also a lot in bloom at the resort, and hummingbirds, too!

G and blooms in the resort

(c) N. Retzke 2022