Natural History Wanderings

Driving into the park today along highway S-22 the dominant plant in bloom is Brittlebush. Also found in flower were Ocotillo, 2 species of Phacelia, Desert Tobacco, a species of Salvia, Desert Dandelion, Desert Globe Mallow, Poppies, Arizona Lupine, and Popcorn.

At the visitor center blooms included Cresote, Brittlebush, Beavertail Cactus, Barrel Cactus, Fremont’s Pincushion, Desert Dandelion, and others. There was some bird activity and I was able to identify White-winged Dove, Gambel’s Quail, and Cactus Wren. The Hummingbirds and a couple of other small birds were to quick to get a good look.

At the visitor center they reported that the Spinx Moth caterpillars have decimated several wildflower areas Coyote Canyon. Areas that they reported as having good flowers at present included Henderson Canyon Road, Hellhole Canyon and Borrego Palm Canyon.