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Spring Has Arrived in Arizona

 Spring arrived in earnest about two weeks ago to the Arizona desert with temperatures soaring into the low 80's F and spring leaves returning to the trees.  Winter is a beautiful time in the desert with plenty of wintering birds and temperatures that allow for more than average outdoor fun.  Spring brings with it the rising temperatures, wildflowers, spring blooms, and birds beginning their long migration back to their northern homes.


Green Leaves on Fig Tree

My fig tree is again sporting green leaves.  I don't honestly believe that fig trees are supposed to lose all their leaves in the winter.  Each year, I try to protect my tree, green leaves begin to multiply in the late winter only to suddenly drop them all when we get a cooler night.  When we hit true spring weather, the fig tree always seems to return and it makes me smile to see the sudden sprout of green filling the branches once more.


Lime Tree Bloom

Spring is also time for citrus trees to flower.  Citrus is in bloom and the sweet smell of orange, lemon, and lime flowers fill the air.  I have a lemon and a lime tree in my backyard.  I keep looking for the white blooms each day since I know that seeing the flower buds means that I need to remove all the fruit still on the tree.  The result is bags of lemons and limes ready for freezing or giving away and the lovely smell of flowers on the spring breeze.  


Bird Looks Out From Saguaro

I came upon the other sure sign of true spring just last week.  The geese can be heard overhead returning north and birds that will remain longer are laying claim to their nesting homes in a saguaro cactus.  The nesting holes in the soaring cacti are used year after year by a variety of birds.  Woodpeckers are probably the most common but a huge assortment of birds are fully comfortable among the long needles of the saguaro.  Chirps can be heard coming from the many nests and parents soar with ease and perfect aim into their temporary desert home.  Very soon young birds will begin to peek their heads out and explore their world.  



While my weeks seem to get busier and busier, I still try to venture out at least once a week to explore as all too soon temperatures will touch 100 F and then my journeys will have to be kept to short early morning trips.  Until then, I will enjoy the spring weather and the young birds that will soon begin to spread their wings and fly.


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