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| The Saguaro Cactus were blooming everywhere as we drove around the desert in southern Arizona. |
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| Many flowers were also blooming in the wooded areas of the mountains and along the few running streams. The wetlands where we birded frequently contained effluent from cities or runoff from irrigated fields. Very few actual live streams have much water this very dry year. |
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| This is known as cowboy's fried egg -- formally, Matilija poppy. |
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| Other types of cactus also had vividly colored blossoms, despite the terrible drought throughout the region. |
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| On the wall of one of the highly decorated Mexican restaurants was this face with flowers. |
Back in Michigan —
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| And in our completely different environment at home, we have a beautiful rhododendron in bloom, which greeted us when we arrived. |
Blog post and photos © 2021 mae sander.
I always loved driving through the desert in spring on my way to CA. The desert is awash with beauty and color, which quickly dies in a few weeks. Thanks for sharing all these incredible beauties, including your gorgeous rhododendrons.
ReplyDeleteThe cacti flowers are amazing. What a pity there is effluence in the wetlands.
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ReplyDeleteCowboy´s fried egg? Why?
The mural is stunning.
As all the flowers nature produces. Thank you, this was wonderful.
The desert is so beautiful. I fell in love with Arizona when I was there many years ago. We have since moved to an area which is similar because of that.
ReplyDeleteSo I recognize most plants and flowers because we have them too. We don't have the saguaros of course. They are typical of the Sonora desert. Your first picture is a bird-of-paradise-tree. Very spectacular.
Thank you for offering to send me a postcard. I would love that. I don't know quite how to get in touch with you as I can't find your email address. But mine is liscameijer at rocketmail dot com. Please get in touch.
Hugs,
Lisca
The juxtaposition of thorns with delicate flowers---it's striking.
ReplyDeleteYou were in the desert at the perfect time. How gorgeous all the photos of flowering cacti are!
ReplyDeleteGlorious blooms. Those cactus flowers are especially striking and the mural is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a wonderful trip Mae. Your photos are great.
ReplyDeleteLove these photos. I miss AZ so much.
ReplyDeleteThe cactus blossoms are indeed lovely in AZ but they herald the onset of intense heat. I'll take rhodys anyday! :--)
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