Today, we drove to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. So many people had told us to go, we thought we would check it out. According to their site, they are a world-renowned zoo, natural history museum and botanical garden, all in one place
A cool front had come in keeping the temperatures a comfortable 70s all day.
The views of the desert and plants were amazing!
There were walkways through the museum leading through more plants and animals.
We caught this sparrow on an Ocotillo. They are in bloom everywhere.
Next, we spied this bobcat in his cave hideout. The settings for the animals seemed much more natural than some of the zoos we have been to.
The desert plants are beginning to bloom everywhere!
One of the docents at the museum gave a short talk on the Saguros. The holes are usually made by the Gila Woodpecker. Because the plant is 90% water, it immediately begins to make a "scab" around the hole. You can't see it on the outside, but it is a woodlike covering on the inside. A symbiotic relationship exists between the cactus and woodpecker. The cactus provides a home and the woodpecker eats insects that may harm it.
There was a large javelina family setting as well.
But, our favorites were the prairie dogs. We could have watched them for hours.
One eating an apple.
Sounding the alarm.
A cute baby prairie dog.
We continued to the other side where we saw this view of a mesa in the background. The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum certainly lived up to its reputation.
Next, we headed to the West Side of the Saguaro National Park. We stopped at the Visitor Center to view the movie about the park.
We stopped for a picnic lunch and took our picture in front of the Saguaros.
There was a loop drive we took around for more views.
More blooming cactus
Even the Saguaros are beginning to bloom.
We enjoyed both sides of the park, but thought this side had more awesome views.
Great day!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures. Got to spend a little time there but not nearly enough.
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