The Saguaro--Home! Sweet Home!

[lindyannajones]

A popular children's book about the Saguaro refers to it as the Cactus Hotel. You may have noticed holes in the sides of the Saguaro. Consider them hotel suites. These are nest sites for either the Gila Woodpecker or the gilded flicker which they painstakingly drill into the cactus, piercing the outer flesh and the tough wooden interior. Can you imagine the headache? This first photo is a collage of a Gila Woodpecker, a sparrow and a mockingbird. The mockingbird had quite a repertoire and did a great job on the "peah" of the Cactus Wren. For more information, see below. Yes. The information will be on the test.




Native people and artisans, like Chewy's Dad, use the sturdy wood from Saguaro ribs as building material. Commonly used for outdoor ramadas to provide shade, they can also be found as ceiling support beams. A famous local artist, Ted DeGrazia (now deceased), used the Saguaro in his Mission in the Sun to create doors and windows. Notice his colorful paintings on the wall. Now that's another story!




Coming attractions: The Saguaro in Bloom. Here it is in bud.




The flicker and the woodpecker create what is known as a Saguaro boot--a perfect spot for a nest and a resting place from the day's heat. When they abandon the cavity, other birds--elf and screech owls, purple martins, finches and sparrows may move in. Larger birds, like the Harris and Red-tailed hawk build nests, often in the crook of the arm or use them for hunting platforms. Pack rats, bats and various insects like them, too. During times of drought, pack rats, jackrabbits, mule deer and bighorn sheep will dine on Saguaro flesh as a way replenishing their water needs.

The other day when I was out trying to take a photo of the gila woodpecker, I had the following experience: I had driven over to visit a Saguaro growing near my home. As I approached the Sauguaro, I heard a rhythmic tapping on wood. At first, I thought he was trying to peck a hole on the outside of the Saguaro. When I couldn't see him, I finally realized the sound was resonating from within the saguaro like a cactus marimba. He tapped out quite a few bars until he realized I was near and then out he flew. He circled around and landed once. I caught a few shots--not my best--and then he headed for some mesquite trees and refused to come back.

The "peah" of the gila woodpecker is a wonderful sound. There are many desert sounds, perhaps more than you might realize. I've compiled a list of 52 desert sounds that is available upon request.

[fstopMike]

It's amazing how nature and people adapt to their surroundings and use what is available. I had always thought of the Saguaro as something neat to look at. I had no idea it was the home for so many animals, life-giving refreshment, building materials and art all wrapped up in one exotic and interesting package. Your photos are great and as always, I've enjoyed the lesson. Can't wait to see the blooms.

[charlotteinkennesaw]

Thank you for the photos and nature lesson on Saguaros. I love the southwest and all that is in it.

[FromtheBackofaHorse]

I certainly look for all of your posts. The area that you live in is so different from where I am and yet, so beautiful. You do a wonderful job of taking me out into the desert and showing me things I've never seen before. Please don't stop.

[SusanH1970]

Just beautiful, Lindy...and you know, I bought that book for my kids when I was visiting my best friend in Arizona! They are amazing to see up close. I have a photo of myself standing next to a saguaro...I never realized how enormous they can get - that one was three times my height, and I'm TALL, lol!

Gorgeous photos and wonderful stories and information to go along. I've missed your pictures...glad I spotted this series!

[Fred flyfisher]

I love your stories and lessons. History and natural history. Beautiful shots Lindy and thanks for sharing the beautiful collages.

[brandy wilkinson]

Very cool. I especially like the second one. Wonderful colors!

[Chip]

Cactus Condo, or Cactuc Co-Op, maybe? In today's market, I bet they'd be cheap.

Like Mike, I had no idea about the multiple roles this cactus plays.

Keep the continuing ed and wonderful photos coming!

[teedlepeep]

Love these too Lindy !! I'm not sure what I would have done having a bird fly out of one of these

I hope you keep posting like this. I really am enjoying learning all about the cacti and wildlife

[beachcomber]

I love that you take so much care over your beautiful pictures and presentions.
I love that the "peah" of the gila woodpecker is a wonderful sound and that there are many other desert sounds, a friend of mine once listed some for me.
I love that you've compiled a list of 52 desert sounds that is available upon request and I want to barter a jakethepig t shirt for one

beachcomber