Life Among the Saguaro Cactus

Last week, I shared my enthusiasm for the mighty saguaro cactus that towers over the Arizona desert. As I was organizing photos I came across several that reminded me of the varied life that not only survives but thrives among the cactus needles.

During the early spring and well into the hot summer, a wide variety of birds can be seen making their nest in the many holes of the cactus. The Gila woodpecker will peck away at the flesh and carve out an ample opening for their nest and then year after year a variety of birds claim these cavities as their temporary home. These entrances are typically high in the air and are well guarded by the parent. As you can see in the photo above, as the birds come in and out the needles can be worn away and the area directly around the entrance may be void of those prickly needles.

At times, a rather large area of a saguaro has been carved away and doves tend to prefer these areas for their home. They are protected by the cactus needles but have an ample area to more or less raise their babies in plain sight. The interior ribs of the saguaro cactus can be seen behind the mother dove and her babies in this photo. The cactus still grows and flourishes seemingly unaffected by such a large "wound".

Early May is typically the time of year when the very tops of the saguaro cactus burst into bloom. Large white flowers grow together at the ends of the cactus arms and are a favorite spot for bees and hummingbirds. The long green stalks of the flowers give the beautiful flowers a boost into the air and put on a brilliant show across the Arizona desert.

In a few weeks, the blooms disappear and large red fruit appears in their place making the cactus a favorite among the birds. Doves and woodpeckers are the most common birds that I see feasting on the ripe fruit but plenty of other birds will also enjoy the seasonal treat.

Arizona Saguaro Cactus Blue Skies Desert Southwest Keychain

Arizona Saguaro Cactus Keychain Contains an Affiliate Link
by southwestcreations

Life in the Arizona desert is far more varied and thriving than I thought possible before I moved here 16 years ago. I hope to continue giving you peaks into the beauty of nature as I continue my adventures. Thanks for coming along.

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