I always see Gila Woodpeckers on the Saguaros everywhere we go in Arizona. I don’t know how they manage to perch themselves against so many spiny needles! You even see them standing on the very top of the cactus as if they are smooth telephone poles. Believe me, they are anything but smooth!
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I came across this Saguaro in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, where there are more Saguaros than in Saguaro National Park. With the bird’s nest cradled in its arms, the birds must feel quite protected from any predators. Still, they peck holes in the cactus and make homes inside!
I saw one of them go in a hole and I waited for a long time hoping to get a photo of the woodpecker looking out, but it wasn’t to be.
Anne
I recently visited Sonoran Desert. Before I left I told my 10 yr old grandson about the unique characteristics of the Saguaro cacti. He was very interested so when I returned I printed and highlighted a little information about them and passed on a couple of my unimaginative. photos. I went online to supplement my photos. Most sites would not let me print anything. Then I found your magnificent photo which even included 2 Gila Woodpeckers and the blue Arizona sky!!
Thank you so much for haring your work. My grandson loved it.
I’m so glad to hear it Barbara! Thanks for taking the time to comment and let me know. The saguaros are amazing the way they contract and expand depending on how much water they have absorbed. Super interesting plants!
What an amazing photos. I never thought of woodpeckers making a home in a cactus! Very interesting. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it Mary, thanks for your comments.