Cap'n Bob & the Damsel

Critters

Desert Leaf Cutter Ants

For several years running – basically, since we had the landscaper plant the big ocotillo out front – we have seen what appear to be ant trails where leaves or flowers from the ocotillo and other sources running across the driveway (see left panel in the clickable composite image above). We knew that these trails were left by nocturnal ants since we were out one night to watch the ISS flyover and saw the ants actively going back and forth along the trail. The destination is their anthill located about fifteen feet beyond the pavement which is shown in the right panel above.

I showed the photos to Grok and asked about the ants:

These are desert leafcutter ants (Acromyrmex versicolor), the common fungus-farming species in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona.

In summer (especially the hottest months like August), their foraging is almost entirely nocturnal because daytime surface temperatures are too extreme. They form clear trails while carrying plant material back to the nest, exactly as in your driveway photo, and often deposit piles of leaf fragments around the entrance crater.

Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is one of the plants they regularly harvest. Studies of Arizona colonies show they collect both fresh young leaves and dry vegetation from ocotillo along with other desert perennials such as paloverde, mesquite, ironwood, creosote, and catclaw acacia. Fresh leaves make up a notable portion of the forage when available (especially after rains when ocotillos leaf out).

They do not eat the leaves. Workers cut and carry pieces underground to cultivate a specialized symbiotic fungus in garden chambers; the ants and their larvae feed on the fungus. Colonies can be sizable, with crater-like nest entrances (often multiple) in sandy or gravelly soil, and they clear or accumulate plant debris around the openings.

A related but less widespread species, Atta mexicana (Mexican leafcutter), also occurs in southern Arizona and shows similar nocturnal summer foraging and leaf-carrying, but Acromyrmex versicolor is the typical one across much of the Sonoran Desert, including areas like Wickenburg. Both are native and generally harmless to people (they can bite if handled but do not sting like harvester ants).

The trail of fresh green leaves leading ~15 feet to the entrance, plus the accumulation right at the hole, is classic behavior for these ants during a summer night’s work. They will likely continue as long as temperatures stay high and suitable plant material is available.

That is some interesting information about the ants. We don’t consider them a nuisance and expect to just leave them to do their thing. They are part of God’s wonderful desert nature at work in our own front yard.

16 Aug 2026 by Arizona Critters Environment

Pronghorn Leaves Wolf in the Dust

I saw this yesterday on Captain’s Journal. It is truly astounding how fast those Pronghorn Antelope can run.

I did some Grok research on the fastest land animal in the U.S.:

Q. How fast can a pronghorn antelope run?

A. Around 55–60 mph (about 88–97 km/h) at top speed for short bursts, with exceptional endurance at lower high speeds.
Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), often called pronghorn antelope (though not a true antelope), are the fastest land mammals in North America and the second-fastest overall after the cheetah. Key reported figures include:

  • Top sprint speeds commonly cited around 55 mph (88–89 km/h) for about half a mile (roughly 800 m), with some sources noting up to 60–62 mph under good conditions.
  • Sustained speeds of roughly 40–45 mph for longer distances (e.g., a mile or more) and around 35 mph for several miles (up to 4–5+ miles in some accounts).

They outpace any current North American predator and can maintain high speeds far longer than a cheetah (which is faster in short sprints but tires quickly). Their adaptations include a large heart and lungs, oversized windpipe for oxygen intake, light bones, and cushioned hooves that help absorb impact at speed. This speed likely evolved partly in response to extinct predators like the American cheetah.

I embedded the above article from Instagram®. Click the arrow to view.

It is amazing to behold the wonders of God’s creations.

10 Aug 2026 by Critters Entertainment Notions

Goldfinch Feeder

Finches at the feeder

This is one of our two Nyjer Seed Finch Feeders in the back yard. They are mounted on a crook which is staked into the ground.

Note that the seed level is at about three-quarters full. I took this photo less than 24 hours since I filled the feeders to the top. Clearly, the Nyjer Seeds are very popular with the finches.

We get a couple of species of finch that visit the feeders: House Finches and Goldfinches.

I asked GROK about the birds in this photo:

These are Lesser Goldfinches (Spinus psaltria), a very common and delightful visitor to nyjer (thistle) feeders in Arizona.

Quick Breakdown of the Birds in Your Photo:

  • Bottom left (brightest one): Adult male Lesser Goldfinch. You can clearly see the diagnostic solid black cap, bright lemon-yellow underparts, and black wings with bold white wingbars/patches. This is the classic look for males in breeding plumage.
  • Bottom right: Likely a female or immature/juvenile. Females are duller overall (more olive-yellow) with less contrast, no full black cap, and subtler wing markings.
  • Top right (on the side): Another bird in a more olive/grayish-green plumage, typical of females or younger birds.
  • There’s also a partially visible bird behind the feeder on the left that appears to have streaked brown tones, possibly another finch or a different visitor.

Lesser Goldfinches are one of the most frequent nyjer-seed specialists in the Southwest. They’re small, acrobatic, and often come in small flocks. In the high Sonoran Desert around Wickenburg, they’re year-round residents and love these tube-style finch feeders.

Camera Info:

  • Camera: Canon EOS Rebel SL3
  • Artist: Cap’n Bob (C) 07/18/2026
  • Exposure: 1/320 sec.
  • Aperture: F5.6
  • Speed: ISO 200
  • Focal Length: 180mm
  • Lens: Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
18 Jul 2026 by Arizona Critters Photography

Saguaro Cactus Fruit

Saguaro Cactus Fruit – image (C) CapnBob

I took this photo of our Saguaro by the RV drive this morning. Grok had the following to say about it:

Saguaro cactus fruit (from Carnegiea gigantea, the iconic giant cactus of the Sonoran Desert) is a vibrant, nutrient-rich seasonal treat that plays a crucial ecological role in the arid Southwest, especially in areas like your Wickenburg garden.

Your attached photo perfectly captures the classic look: the green, oval-to-egg-shaped fruits (roughly plum-sized) grow high on the arms of the saguaro. As they ripen in late May through July (peaking around June–early July in Arizona), the outer skin splits open into 3–4 sections, revealing a striking bright red to magenta pulp packed with up to ~3,500 tiny black seeds. The pulp is juicy and sweet, while the seeds have a nutty flavor. This timing aligns with the hottest, driest part of the year, just before the summer monsoons, making the fruit a vital source of moisture and nutrition for desert wildlife.

Key Facts About the Fruit:

  • Edibility and Uses: Humans have harvested it for centuries (e.g., by the Tohono O’odham people, who call it bahidaj). It can be eaten raw, made into syrups, jams, cakes, or drinks. The seeds are high in protein and fats.
  • Production: A single mature saguaro can produce around 150 fruits in a good season, turning the plant into a “desert grocery store.”
  • Your Photo: The split-open fruit with vivid red interior is exactly how it appears when ripe and ready—very attractive to foragers!

Birds That Harvest It:

Birds are major consumers and help with seed dispersal (some seeds pass through undamaged or are dropped while feeding). Key species include:

  • White-winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica): These are the most prominent. They time their breeding so that chicks hatch when saguaro fruit ripens, providing critical food and water. They eat the pulp and seeds directly from the cactus (often seen perched on or leaning into the fruit). They also help pollinate the flowers earlier in the season.
  • Gila Woodpeckers: Frequently feed on the fruit.
  • Curve-billed Thrashers, Northern Mockingbirds, Verdins, House Finches, and others: These also feast on the sweet, juicy pulp and seeds.

Mammals like coyotes, ground squirrels, and javelina eat fallen fruit on the ground, while bats may visit too.

The relationship is mutualistic: birds get hydration and energy in the harsh desert summer, while the saguaro benefits from seed spread (sometimes to “nurse plants” under bushes or trees where dropped seeds can germinate safely).

If you’re seeing this in your garden or on local hikes, it’s a great sign of a healthy Sonoran Desert ecosystem—perfect timing for your bird photography interests!

Keep in mind that AI (in spite of the hype) can make mistakes, so take the above with a grain of salt, although I found the write up to be accurate according to our knowledge about the subjects.

Click on the image to enlarge.

12 Jul 2026 by Arizona Critters Environment Photography

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox).

This is a very common and widespread species in our part of Arizona (Sonoran Desert around Wickenburg). Key visible features that support the ID:

  • Body pattern: Light tan/grayish-brown background with a series of dark diamond/hexagonal blotches along the back that often have lighter centers. These are classic for C. atrox.
  • Tail banding: Very distinct alternating black-and-white rings on the tail (visible toward the upper right in the photo). This is one of the most reliable field marks for Western Diamondbacks.
  • Overall build: Heavy-bodied with a relatively broad head and the characteristic rattle.

Safety note for your area
Western Diamondbacks are responsible for most rattlesnake bites in Arizona, though they’re generally not aggressive unless provoked or cornered. They’re common in rocky desert yards like ours, especially near structures, water sources or debris.

Recommendations:

  • Keep your distance and give it space — it will likely move on if left alone.
  • Be cautious around the garden/rocks at dawn/dusk when they’re more active.

I took this photo today when this evil-looking critter slithered into the yard. I kept my distance and used the camera’s 210mm focal length to get this (clickable) close-up.

Eventually, the snake kept on going as there wasn’t anything interesting for it in our yard.

19 Jun 2026 by Arizona Critters Photography

New Camera Toy

I’ve been playing around with the new(ish) Canon EOS R10 camera since getting it last February. This week, I ordered and received a Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM telephoto lens. I tried it out today and got a few shots around the yard including the one above of a Mourning Dove and Cactus Wren perched atop one of the birdseed feeders out back. I was easily 30 feet from the birds when I took the photo. I am intend to use the new lens for wildlife and possibly astronomical photos. More on those as time marches on.

For my older Canon SL3 Camera, I have a good collection of lenses for various purposes, not the least of which is the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM telephoto lens. Comparing the older telephoto to the new one, there are a couple of things worth noting:

  • Weight: The old lens weighs in at 3 lb 10 oz, while the new lens is only 1 lb 8 oz.
  • Length @ 400mm: old is 10.75 inches and new is 9.5 inches.

Using the old lens on the SL3 makes the camera very front-heavy and, while not absolutely necessary, could use a monopod or some other support for longer periods of use. The bigger lens has its own tripod mount. The new camera and lens aren’t noticeably as front-heavy and the weight doesn’t seem to be an issue when carrying it around.

So, I’ll report on any amazing things I encounter when using the new setup. Stay tuned.

As usual, you may click on the image above to view enlarged in a new tab or window.

Update 20260617 20:29 AZ time: Venus and the Moon in the western sky. Using the R10 and 400mm Lens . . .

17 Jun 2026 by Critters Notions Photography Retirement

Cabela 2008-2026

Just short of her 18th birthday (in August), Cabela crossed over the Rainbow Bridge this morning to be with all the other frolicking denizens of the other place. She passed peacefully in her sleep while napping on the loveseat sofa.

We’re already missing her.

There are a lot of posts referencing her in this weblog and some photos of her from her stay with us in the past several years. Click here and here.

Happy frolicking, little one . . .

03 May 2026 by Critters Family

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