Saguaro Summer

Watching the Saguaro on our walks in San Tan Mountain Regional Park this spring has been fascinating. It was probably February when I first noted early changes becoming apparent; i.e., white areas forming on the ends of the branches (arms). I knew this was the precursor to growth of many kinds, including developing flower blossoms. I could hardly wait to see the first Saguaro blossom. I had to wait until late April/early May -- mainly due to my MI/CA trips in April. On our walks in the Park it was exciting to watch the different birds pollinate the blossoms as they enjoyed the sweet nectar. I knew that meant that before too long we would see the fruits form on the cactus. The major pollinator is the White-winged Dove since the bats no longer arrive in the numbers of a few years ago. Most of the bats stay in Mexico to pollinate the Blue Agave plants from which tequila is made.
The fruit, which is green on the outside and red on the inside, is a major source of nutrition and moisture for the desert dwellers -- not only birds, but other animals who are able to reach it. In the picture above you can see the bright red of the fruit that has burst open and been enjoyed by some of the birds and other animals.
I am hoping to get a photo of a bird actually partaking of the life-sustaining Saguaro fruit. If I am successful, I promise to post it in a future blog. For now, just use your imagination as to who would be enjoying this sweet treat in the desert.