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Sonoran Sprouts

A close-up of a saguaro flower bud resembles Brussels sprouts in McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona on May 23, 2023. Originals: _ZFC6740.NEF to _ZFC6814.NEF

I was thinking of Brussels sprouts when I took the picture but when this green grows it is the start of one of the desert’s greatest sights that doesn’t involve a lizard. This tip of a saguaro flower bud will bloom into a large white flower, kicking off a feeding frenzy of birds, bats, and insects. Another feeding frenzy follows when the red fruit ripens.

📷: Nikon Z fc | Nikon 105mm Macro
🗓️: May 27, 2023

X Marks the Spot

Shadows fall on a wooden X adorned with ribbons in Scottsdale, Arizona on December 29, 2024. Original: _A678172.ARW

Bear and I pay our respects at the grave of someone who was important or at least well-loved, given the many colorful ribbons on their marker. They must have died long ago as this area is surrounded by subdivisions now. Perhaps someone who got rather lost trying to find the Oregon Trail. Perhaps a member of the Donner Party who was lucky enough to be spared the arduous journey through someone’s bowels.