A Many-Armed Saguaro Cactus (Sabino Canyon) — Image by kenne
Mighty Saguaro
Saguaro cacti rise up like mighty sentinels boldly claiming the high desert plains tall and proud, their prickly arms forewarn intruders to stop and beware.
A daunting presence, bold and majestic toughness flows through their cacti veins Saguaro endure long hours in the barren wilderness their roots persevere under the dry, hard crust.
With no respite, save for the night Saguaro rule valiantly in a god forsaken land.
“In the heat of desert arroyos and scrublands, tiny grayish Verdins flash bright colors— a yellow head and chestnut shoulder patch. More slender and small-headed than a chickadee, these restless birds comb the foliage of trees for insects and spiders, sometimes hanging upside down to investigate hard-to-reach places. They supplement their insect diet with fruits and even nectar, which they may sip from hummingbird feeders.” — Source: allaboutbirds.org
Greater Roadrunner Setting On Nest In Sabino Canyon A very carefully crafted nest inside a cholla cactus, providing excellent protection. — Image by kenne
Roadrunners have elaborate mating rituals and may mate for life. Their courtship begins with the male chasing the female on foot. Like other bird species, the male tries to woo the female with food, often bringing her a lizard in his beak. Both males and females try to attract each other with offerings of sticks or grass. The male wags its tail and leaps into the air to get attention.
Once a pair mates, they stay together to defend their territory all year. Most pairs raise the young together, taking turns to protect the hatchlings and procuring food.
