Cap'n Bob & the Damsel

Downtown Succulent Planter

Iceplant Flower

We went downtown today to shop for Mother’s day gifts. Just outside of the shopping plaza, there was a planter with several varieties of succulents growing. In addition to the usual desert succulents, there was a covering of iceplant on the floor of the planter. I took this shot of one of the iceplant flowers. Click on the image to enlarge.

We usually don’t see iceplant in the desert since the cottontails, jack rabbits, squirrels and javelina would find this spineless succulent a tasty snack. This planter probably gets avoided by the desert wildlife since it is in the heart of the downtown tourist area and on a moderately busy US highway.

06 May 2014 by Arizona Critters Flowers Photography

Thrasher Chicks

Thrasher Chicks

I peeked in the thrasher nest this morning and saw three little fuzzy chicks in there with their yellow bills open to receive their feeding. I didn’t stick around since I knew the parents were nearby waiting for me to get out of their way.

I went back this afternoon with the camera and got this shot of two of the chicks. The other one is just out of view on the lower left side of the nest. Again, I quickly got out of the way so the parent birds could do their thing. Click on the image to enlarge.

05 May 2014 by Arizona Critters Home & Garden Photography

Saguaro Buds

Saguaro Buds

Any day now, the big saguaro cactus out front should have our state flowers opening up on it. This is the second spring season that the big guy has been in front since the collapse of the saguaro we originally had installed.

When the flowers open, I will try and get some close-up photos of some of them, It will be a challenge since the lowest buds are about eight feet off of the ground. Maybe I can get up on the ladder.

Click on the image to enlarge.

04 May 2014 by Arizona Flowers Home & Garden Photography

Red Cactus Flower

Red Cactus Flower

I brought this cactus from California just after we moved here over three years ago. I don’t know the name of this variety of cactus, but it has long arms that hang over the side of the pot. This is the first and only flower that opened up on this unusual cactus since it’s been here in Arizona. Click on the image to enlarge.

UPDATE: You can see more of this strange cactus here.

03 May 2014 by Arizona Flowers Home & Garden Photography

Saguaro Forest

Saguaro Forest

We were on the road today to the West Valley and back. The trip is scenic in the areas where the saguaro and teddy bear cholla grow. These saguaros are on a hillside above the little pass on US 60 between Morristown and Wickenburg. Click on the image to enlarge.

01 May 2014 by Arizona Environment Photography

Blue Paloverde Flowers

Blue Paloverde Flowers

Yes, I know the flowers aren’t blue. However, the host tree, Parkinsonia florida, is commonly called blue paloverde. Damsel took this photo while we were out and about today.

Damsel takes lots of photos of the spring flowers, so let’s enjoy them while we can. Summer will be here soon and there will be fewer flowers, but there will be flowers. Click on the image to enlarge.

30 Apr 2014 by Flowers Photography Retirement

Categories

Archives