March 2023
Blog 394: Desert Landscapes, Birds, and Critters
Cabeza Prieta NWR (https://www.fws.gov/refuge/cabeza-prieta/)
The refuge headquarters is only a mile from the park with a short walking path with a variety of cacti on the premises. The focus of the 800,000-acre refuge is the protection of the endangered Sonoran pronghorn.
One bright morning, several of us from our RV park took a hike at Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife area. Our destination was the old San Antonio Mine. Created before the 1939 establishment of the refuge, the mine was used to collect silica flux, feldspar, and scrap mica. Nice scenery in all directions.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
In 1976, The United Nations designated Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument as an International Biosphere Reserve, as an outstanding example of the Sonoran Desert. Organ Pipe was our favorite destination in the area, especially when it was primed for photograph—cloudy, rainy, or foggy. Our favorite location in the monument was the Ajo Mountain Drive, a 21-mile loop that always had views to enjoy and inspire. Learn more about this great destination and the monument at https://www.nps.gov/.
East of Ajo
One day I tagged along on a side-by-side trip east of Ajo.
Birds
The pair of house finches were taken at Organ Pipe campground. The rest were taken in our backyard.
Critters
The antelope squirrel was shot at Organ Pipe. The javelina was walking through town—these critters are everywhere.
Finally, although Jackson is not a “critter,” his resting on a pillow seemed like a good way to close this busy time with a nod, a wink, and a comfy pillow.
See you next time.
The refuge headquarters is only a mile from the park with a short walking path with a variety of cacti on the premises. The focus of the 800,000-acre refuge is the protection of the endangered Sonoran pronghorn.
One bright morning, several of us from our RV park took a hike at Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife area. Our destination was the old San Antonio Mine. Created before the 1939 establishment of the refuge, the mine was used to collect silica flux, feldspar, and scrap mica. Nice scenery in all directions.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
In 1976, The United Nations designated Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument as an International Biosphere Reserve, as an outstanding example of the Sonoran Desert. Organ Pipe was our favorite destination in the area, especially when it was primed for photograph—cloudy, rainy, or foggy. Our favorite location in the monument was the Ajo Mountain Drive, a 21-mile loop that always had views to enjoy and inspire. Learn more about this great destination and the monument at https://www.nps.gov/.
East of Ajo
One day I tagged along on a side-by-side trip east of Ajo.
Birds
The pair of house finches were taken at Organ Pipe campground. The rest were taken in our backyard.
Critters
The antelope squirrel was shot at Organ Pipe. The javelina was walking through town—these critters are everywhere.
Finally, although Jackson is not a “critter,” his resting on a pillow seemed like a good way to close this busy time with a nod, a wink, and a comfy pillow.
See you next time.