ARIZONA SUNSET

Nothing says Arizona like a sunset. Most people who choose to watch the big, red ball slowly dip below the horizon are missing a spectacular sight right behind them. The vibrant red and orange colors coating the Tucson Mountains reflects the setting sun like no other place on earth. The mountains change before your very eyes taking on an hue that presents the Sonoran Desert at its best. Awash in the magnificent decor of the evening, the rock formations are set afire with the last rays from the desert sun.

SONORAN RIVER TOAD

The Sonoran River Toad or the Colorado River Toad as it's sometimes called inhabits the southwestern portion of the United States and the northern portion of Mexico. Lured out of its burrows by the summer rains, the toad is nocturnal but occasionally can be seen in the late afternoon or early morning hours, especially after a rainstorm. Carnivorous by nature, the toad feeds on insects, small lizards and even other toads to survive.

As part of its defense mechanism, the toad produces a toxin that is potent enough to kill its predators. This poison is a chemical that is part of the hallucinogenic tryptamines family and can cause hallucinations and can also raise body temperatures with increase heart rates as well.

Farming these toads for the toxin is illegal under Arizona law, though possession of the toad itself is allowed. Other states such as California and New Mexico have placed the toad on the endangered and threatened species list and prohibit the capture of the toad.

GILA MONSTER

One of only two venomous lizards found in North America, the Gila Monster makes it’s home in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Named for the Gila River basin where it was first discovered this beautiful reptile is easily recognized by bright orange, pink and black beady scales that form unique designs and cover it’s entire body.
The Gila Monster is carnivorous and feeds on small birds, frogs, lizards and other small rodents. They have an acute sense of smell, which enables them to locate hidden prey and find meals that are buried in the ground.
Reaching a length of up to two feet, the Gila Monster is slow moving and therefore presents little threat to humans. It’s venom has been compared to that of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake but the Gila Monster only produces small amounts of venom and lacks the hollow fangs used by rattlesnakes to inject their venom. Instead they use a grinding or chewing motion to force the venom into their prey and the bite of a Gila Monster is extremely painful.
Even though the Gila Monster spends 95% of it’s life underground, they are spotted occasionally basking in the early morning sun or lying in pools of water after a summer rainstorm.
The reptile is given protection by Arizona and Nevada State laws because of the decline in their numbers. If you are lucky enough to see a Gila Monster, take a few photos, appreciate the opportunity and leave it alone.

GATES PASS

Gates Pass offers many hiking trails and a great place to watch spectacular Arizona sunsets. Just twenty minutes west of Tucson, the drive alone is worth the trip. The winding road through the Tucson Mountains is lined with giant saguaros, prickly pear cacti and magnificent rock formations. Coyote and javelina can sometimes be seen wandering through the mountains along with bobcats and an occasional mule deer. Considered to one of the best locations for watching sunsets by locals and tourists alike, Gates Pass offers a panoramic view of the Sonoran Desert.

Just follow Speedway Blvd. to Gates Pass Road and remember to use caution while driving as the Tucson Mountains are popular with cyclists.

HARRIS HAWKS

HARRIS HAWK IN FLIGHT

HARRIS HAWK DURING A DEMONSTRATION AT THE DESERT MUSEUM

PAIR OF HARRIS HAWKS

The Harris Hawk is a social raptor that inhabits the southern portion of Arizona and New Mexico. These reddish-brown birds can grow up to 23 inches tall and have a wingspan of 47 inches. The female Harris Hawk is the larger and more dominant of the species and therefore controls the family group. If there are other females in the group they will be submissive to the alpha female but they too will dominate the males including the alpha male.
These beautiful birds of prey live in family groups of three or more and rely on each other while hunting. Two or more of the birds will take turns scouting until the prey is found and killed. The birds then share in the meal. Pack rats, gophers, rabbits are on the menu along with domestic pets such as cats and small dogs.
The nests of the hawks can sometimes be found on top telephone poles or in mesquite trees with two or more birds keeping watch over the eggs and protecting them from predators such as eagles or great horned owls.
Because of the easygoing nature of the birds when they interact with humans they are often used to rid cities of pigeons and help control the rodent population.

SUMMER HIKING

Though the temperatures in Tucson are hitting triple digits these days, there are hearty souls who will brave the high temps and hike. If you are one that enjoys trekking in the desert heat remember to take a few precautions before you set out.
WATER! WATER! WATER! This is so important to remember, take plenty of water with you when you hike. It’s recommended that you take at least two quarts of water for a half day of hiking but if you can carry more water with you, do it. Dehydration can be a killer.
Always carry some type of snack when you hike. Chances are you will be exerting a lot of energy and you might need to fuel up. Energy bars are a good to carry, not to mention they’re lightweight. I personally toss a couple peanut butter sandwiches in my pack before I set out.
Dress the part. A stout pair of hiking boots along with the appropriate attire can make your hike more comfortable and safer. Always wear a hat with a wide brim to keep the sun off of your head and a light long sleeve, linen shirt is also recommended. If you’re the type who can’t stand wearing long sleeves in the desert use plenty of sunscreen. This time of year even short exposure to the sun can result in skin damage.
Planning your hike in advance is always a good thing and letting a responsible party know where you will be hiking is a great idea. Cell phones are good to take but the reception can be poor on some of the hiking trails, so following your planned itinerary is vital.
Many of the hiking trails around Tucson begin near roadways and populated areas and it is tempting to step out of your car and start walking with the intention of taking a short hike. DON’T! These trails can go on for miles and soon you’re three miles away from your car with no water. Always approach each outing with the same survival attitude and you can never go wrong.
If you do find yourself in a survival situation, don’t panic. Easier said than done but keeping a level head can save your life.
Recommended reading: Desert Survival Handbook by Charles A. Lehman.

MONSOON

STORM CLOUDS FORMING OVER SAN XAVIER MISSION

DESERT RAINSTORM

The monsoon officially began this weekend and anticipation for the summer rains is running high. After weeks of 100 plus degree temperatures all of Tucson eagerly awaits the seasonal storms and the changes that accompany the much-needed rains. And if you’ve never experienced the desert during the rainy season you are missing a remarkable experience.
The first noticeable sign that the monsoon is active is the thunderheads building in the early afternoon heat. Usually forming towards the south of the city, these clouds are accompanied by hot winds, propelling swirls of dust devils across the valley. By late afternoon a few sprinkles can be felt and the thick white thunderheads have turned dark and foreboding. The wind is now a force to be reckoned with as massive walls of dust can be seen rising from the desert floor with the air filled with moisture. Loud rumbles echo above as bolts of lightening streak across the blackened sky creating a spectacular light show. The rain, noticeable in the distance, seems to form a solid wall of water that slowly churns its way through the desert. Likened by some to a massive tornado of water with clear and defined borders, this deluge of moisture will renew the parched soil and awaken the dry land. The change is dramatic and as the dry soiled drinks up the water the desert is reborn. Even the appearance is changed as the desert comes alive, transforming into a sea of sparkling green with mesquite leaves and cactus blooms shimmering with raindrops and the sweet smell of the evergreen shrub, creosote is in the air. The desert critters, such as Jackrabbits,quail, coyote and javelina seem in abundance as all living things seem to stop for a moment to appreciate the coolness that accompanied the rain.
Here in the Sonoran Desert, the average rainfall is around ten inches a year with the majority falling during the summer monsoon. And with the coming of the rains, also comes a new life for the desert.

RATTLESNAKES!!!

Many times you’ll hear it before you see it, a buzzzzzing coming from nearby. You know immediately what it is as that sound can only be one thing and as you look down you can see the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake coiled some twelve inches from your foot. Most experts will tell you to freeze, don’t move and let the snake go about its business. But I can tell you from personal experience when you are that close to a coiled and obviously distraught rattlesnake standing still is the last thing on your mind.
Of all the desert critters that can be seen in the Sonoran Desert, I believe the rattlesnake is by far the most feared and misunderstood. Hardened scales are added to the tail as the snake sheds its skin forming the rattles. When the snake vibrates it’s tail the brittle segments brush against one another producing the dreaded sound. The rattle serves as a warning to enemies, letting them know that the snake is nearby and ready for action. It doesn’t rattle when stalking its prey as the sound would frighten away dinner.
Click to hear a rattlesnake:
http://www.desertmuseum.org/books/audio/western_diamondback.mp3
Rattlesnakes are nocturnal, preferring the coolness of the summer nights to hunt. While they see well during the daylight hours, the heat sensitive pits on the side of their face creates an infrared image for the darkness. This image can detect a change of temperature of a degree or less enabling the snake to distinguish between its prey and a rock thus making the nighttime the perfect setting for hunting. Its prey consists of pack rats, mice, and other rodents, helping keep the rodent population under control.
The snakes will mate in the spring and in two or three months give birth to living baby rattlesnakes that are well equipped with fully functional fangs and a tiny rattle segment. There are many opinions on the potency of the baby rattlesnake’s venom with some experts believing it to be more venomous than the adult snakes. However, even if that is the case, the openings in fangs are smaller than the adults and do not inject as much venom into it prey.
There are several species of rattlesnakes that make their home in the Sonoran desert. In addition to the Western Diamondback, there is also the Sidewinder, Mojave and the Blacktailed rattlers with the Mojave rattlesnake being the most dangerous. The Mojave rattlesnake is considered by some to be an aggressive snake with tales of those who were stalked mercilessly by this vicious creature. Because of that misinformation many Mojave rattlesnakes are unnecessarily killed on sight. It is true; however, that Mojave rattlers are quick to go on the defensive but given an opportunity to escape the snake will go its own way. The venom from the Mojave is a neurotoxin and can cause severe respiratory problems and paralysis while the venom from the Western Diamondback causes tissue damage. Regardless of the type of snake, seek medical attention immediately if you are bitten.
September seems to be a good month to see rattlesnakes, at least in my part of the desert. Early afternoon, with the temperatures beginning to cool slightly, the snakes tend to come out earlier. Last September alone, I had three Western Diamondback rattlesnakes in my back yard, though not to fear, just a call to 9-1-1 and the Fire Department quickly arrived and snagged the crawly critters. (Rattlesnake trivia: the sound from my neighbor’s sprinkler system also sounds like a rattlesnake)
In addition to late September, the best time to see a rattlesnake (if you are so inclined) is in the summer, early morning or at dusk. Just drive through the Saguaro National Park or hike on one of the many trails in the park. Use caution if you do encounter a rattlesnake as it can strike up to a third of its body length. The best thing to do is give the snake its space, take a few photos and appreciate the opportunity you’ve been given.

THE MIGHTY SAGUARO CACTUS

Nothing represents the desert like the magnificent Saguaro cactus. The Saguaro cactus is by far the most recognized symbol of the Sonoran Desert and its white blossom is the state flower of Arizona.
In the desert west of Tucson, as you drive through the Saguaro National Park, you will find an abundance of these mighty giants. Set against the backdrop of rugged red hills these sentinels stand guard over a harsh terrain that provides little in the way of comfort or shade. These towering cacti can grow up to 60 feet with the tallest measuring around 78 feet with a life span of up to 200 years. Its region limited, the Saguaro cactus can only be found in Southern Arizona and Northwestern Mexico with a few growing in Southeastern California.
The shallow root system can extend up to 100 feet from the cactus serving a duel purpose of balancing the massive trunk and collecting moisture from the desert floor. The arms take years to grow and can twist into many interesting shapes and sizes and the trunk serves as burrows to several species of birds. The Cactus Wren, Gila Woodpecker and Elf Owl are among those who call the Saguaro home. While the summer temperatures can reach over 115 degrees Fahrenheit, the inside of the cactus will stay around 90 degrees providing protection from the scorching sun and safety for the nest.
One of the most fascinating things about the Saguaro is the Tohono O’odham harvesting the fruit of the cactus. The Tohono O’odham are a desert people who make their home in southern Arizona. These Native Americans begin their harvest when the cactus blooms, usually in late June, making jellies, syrups and wine and preparing for the Rain Ceremony known as Nawait I’I which serves to celebrate and welcome the upcoming monsoon. The art of harvesting has been passed down from generation to generation and is still conducted very much as it was 200 years ago. To ensure that the harvesting ritual continues, The Saguaro National Monument Harvesting Program was implemented to keep this part of the Tohono O’odham culture alive. This program teaches the technique of Saguaro harvesting with workshops available at the Tucson-Botanical Gardens and the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum.
The best time of day to see the Saguaro will be at sunset with the reddish-orange glow of the mountains in the background giving you terrific photo opportunities. Who knows, you might just see a Great Horned Owl perched upon this great symbol of the American west.
For directions to the Saguaro National Monument and more information about the Saguaro cactus please visit. http://www.saguaro.national-park.com