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

Saguaro National Park - Spring Flowers

Temperatures are rising in southern Arizona and now is the time for Spring walks and drives. It is too early for the saguaro cactus blooms, but flowering shrubs and some cacti are blooming.  Photos taken April 5 in Saguaro National Park - East.

Saguaro National Park - East

Ocotillo

ocotillo

creosote bush

Original material:  https://roadtrek210.blogspot.com/

Saguaro National Park

"Tucson, Arizona is home to the nation's largest cacti. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. These majestic plants, found only in a small portion of the United States, are protected by Saguaro National Park, to the east and west of the modern city of Tucson. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent desert sunset."

 --National Park Service

The Saguaro National Park has two districts with more than 165 miles (264 km) of hiking trails. "A hike at Saguaro National Park can be a stroll on a short interpretive nature trail or a day-long wilderness trek. Both districts of Saguaro National Park offer a variety of hiking trails."

We hike the eastern district. It also has a wonderful drive loop which intersects a number of trails. The drive is one way, scenic, has blind turns and is hilly.

The loop is popular with speed cyclists. We discovered some don't follow the rules and will go the wrong way. Because the drive is relatively narrow, it can become exciting when the speed demons pass you only to encounter another cyclist or group going the wrong way. I give them all a wide berth.

Morning hikes are the best IMHO. Be sure to wear a head covering and carry plenty of water. If one is quiet there is ample wildlife to observe. We've seen many birds and there are javelinas, ground squirrels and coyotes. Most keep hidden and we have yet to encounter a javelina or coyote in the park.

The trails are a variety of lengths. One easy hike is the Freeman Homestead Trail