Sometimes the bigger picture is just as amazing as the little one. Sunset in Saguaro National Park is really wonderful. If you come to Tucson, make sure you stop here or Gates Pass(or both!) for that wonderful Arizona sky.
It's hard at first to imagine that a desert is full of life because of the overwhelming "brown" color. Most park visitors from out of state and new to the desert miss the little critters in hiding. Can you spot the tiny Antelope Ground Squirrel in the pic above? And for my plant friends, do you remember what those cactus-y twig things are called behind the rocks? Clue. Start with an "o" and end with an "o":) Answer at bottom of the post.
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| Canyon Towhee |
Look closely in and around the vegetation. There is something always hiding nearby. But remember not to go digging too much or you may find more than you bargained for:)
Saguaro cactus come in all shapes and sizes. The above one is dead probably due to a lightning strike during monsoon. And while they may be dead, they make great perches for hawks and other birds.
And if you listen carefully, you'll hear the desert speak.
Answer: Ocotillo More tomorrow....
Posts
Beautiful shots. Wish I were there.
ReplyDeleteI love though silhouettes with black foreground and distant shades of gold and various other earth tones, very nice.
ReplyDeleteYou need to collect some Saguaro skeleton ribs and create something and then report back to us - *smile*
What wonderful twilight sky pictures, Chris!
ReplyDeleteDown here in OZ there are many dead trees - and lots of people to say they should be 'cleaned up'. BUT as a bird and native animal habitat, they're unparalled! Kinda like your cactus ...
ReplyDeleteFANTASTIC colors Chris.....what a nice place.
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Joop
Chris, beautiful images. I love the sky and the cool Saguaro. Hope you have a happy day!
ReplyDeleteLovely atmospheric photos - the first picture is particularly beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteWow Chris! What a fabulous place. I'd love to see it for real. Many, many years ago I used to grow cactus for a hobby. Here, in this cold wet climate compared to yours, we have to grow them in heated glass-houses. Images such as these send me back to those days. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of Arizona is something I will never forget. Thanks for the happy memories, Chris :)
ReplyDeleteI like the way you began and finished with a glorious desert sunset Chris.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, scenic sunset photos Chris. Yes, I spotted the little squirrel....but only after you pointed it out ;-)
ReplyDeleteLovely to see the hummer on the beautiful feeder in the recent post. I shall always be envious of your hummers!
It's almost always speaking to me, though if I don't hear it, I can count on some birds to fly (or run) by! Though to me, the Sonoran Desert doesn't have nearly as many browns as the Chihuahuan, esp the desert grassland or valley areas. Maybe that's why we compensate for all the blue above?
ReplyDeletePięknie wyglądają kaktusy na tle zachodzącego nieba. Pozdrawiam.
ReplyDeleteCacti look beautiful against the setting sky. Yours.
thanks for the hint, but couldn't quite remember it. :)
ReplyDeleteStunning...we who have never been there, can only imagine.
ReplyDeleteJen
Wow, I almost hear the voice of the desert and see all the hidden creatures that roam about!
ReplyDeleteNice silhouettes of the cactus.
Yes, the desert does speak and has its own unique language. Wonderful post Chris!
ReplyDeletedesert... cool as always!
ReplyDeletexoxo, Juliana | PJ’ Happies :) | PJ’ Ecoproject
The desert sky is really beautiful in the background with the cactdark outline.us in
ReplyDeleteOpps, hit the wrong button.
ReplyDeleteThat little ground squirrel blends in so well at first I couldn't find it. The cacti are beautiful. I used to have a cactus plant that actually survived the winter. Came back every year. I have no idea what it was called. It was oval and flat.
Hmmm....maybe a type of Oputia? Unless it was one of those big round and oval ones...still the same type of cactus...but they are very cool in all their different shapes and sizes.
DeleteAbsolutely gorgeous photos, Chris! I love going out to the Saguaro Ntl Parks (used to be called S.N. Monuments when we were here before in the late 70s). Sunset was my favorite time...you could hear the coyotes howling and the sunsets were great!
ReplyDeleteI arrived at the desert the first time thinking it was dead and dry. Then I walked into the desert and so an overwhelming amount of life. Maybe just have to look harder. You've certainly brought the beauty of it out.
ReplyDeletegreat desert shots
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous, Chris.... I think the reason I am not so much into birding (other than my backyard birds) is because of my love for so much other beauty around... You shared some of this beauty today.. I LOVE it.
ReplyDeleteThanks..
Betsy
Hey Chris, it's so funny, I see your pictures of leafless branches against the setting sun, the tone on tone browns and golds, so similar to the landscape where I am, for entirely different reasons :) Beautiful no matter where it is!
ReplyDeleteI guessed it right...I felt happy since we do not have these totally awesome Ocotillos here!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHmn...I think I know this place! ;-) Wonderful shots Chris!
ReplyDeletewow!! i LOVEloveLOVE your first sunset shot!!
ReplyDeleteis like the cactus' arms are embracing the sun in the sky!! magic!! breath taking!!