It has been extremely hot, but that hasn't stopped me from taking advantage of the gorgeous Sonoran desert landscape. You are looking at the Saguaro bloom. Here are a couple rules for this summer if you are new to the desert.....
Sunscreen!!! Bring plenty o' water! and hike during the early morning or late afternoon. NEVER....and I mean this from the bottom of my heart.....NEVER hike in the middle of afternoon without water OR during our monsoon season. During the end of the month of June, all of July, August, and first part of September, washes fill up quickly and from out of nowhere. Sadly, every year, human life is lost because of rapid changing weather conditions.
Lightening strikes are common. But there are other things to keep your eyes out for.....like rattlesnakes etc:) They blend in very well with their surroundings.
There is so much to see in the summer. And birding!!! Well, birds are not dumb. You have to get up early just as they do to see them out and about because by afternoon, they will all be hiding in the shade for cooler temps:)
And sometimes, while it's super hot, we forget to look closely at our surroundings and miss out on all the truly spectacular things hiding......like this Momma Thrasher in her nest within a cholla cactus:)
This post is a reminder for all to get up early and enjoy Mother Nature. I began this photo shoot at 6 AM:) And I had to get my birding in for the day:)!!! Stay out of the heat!!! Arizonans have more skin cancer issues than in the other 49 states. Water plants early morning or late afternoon. Conserve:) Our desert sun is magnificent...and brutal. More tomorrow...
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