On my recent southeast Arizona trip I spent a few days at Madera Canyon. Even in the mountain canyons, August in Arizona gets pretty warm (or hot!), so early mornings are best. This photograph was taken from the base of Madera Canyon, looking toward this rocky formation called Elephant Head. Not sure the origin of the name, but it stands out in the landscape at the beginning of the mountain canyon. The dawn chorus of birdsong was already in full swing as I hiked up the trail into the canyon. 9/29/19 Judith Sparhawk
This very pretty wildflower grows on a shrub in SE Arizona, and is named Fairy Duster. Certain areas I visited were covered with it. It was very poplar with bees, butterflies and other insects. 9/11/19 Judith Sparhawk
This cactus flower was photographed in Arizona recently. It is a Fishhook Barrel Cactus, also called Candy Barrel Cactus. It blooms in late summer, with a crown of flowers growing in a circle at the top of the very spiny barrel shaped plant. This shot shows just one flower in bloom, with several buds ready to open soon. 9/2/19 Judith Sparhawk
