The saguaro cactus is a foundational plant in the Sonoran desert. The fruit is edible by humans and animals/birds. Dead cacti are useful as fuel for fires, once the cactus dies the ribs can be used in a variety of ways, and the thorns have been used in tattooing. But the most often observed used is as a home for birds, such as this mourning dove. Woodpeckers and flickers also like to live in these cacti.
for SquareUp 1.20.21
The prickles might keep predators away. 🙂 🙂 Lovely shot, Janet!
I would think so, although there’s probably some bird of prey that might chance.
Great photo
Thanks, Sheree, and happy Wednesday.
janet
You too Janet
Nice one.
Should be a relatively safe place. 🙂
I’ve never thought about dead cacti. Hmmmmm … nice catch!
Dead saguaro have ribs left and those have been used by the Indians and other for a variety of purposes.
Thank you for the scoop.
That’s a neat place to live.
Pretty safe from most predators.
I’d guess 😏
Other creatures as so adapt at recycling and repurposing what is available.
Fabulous pix. (Snarl at these thieves who go into the desert and dig up cactus to sell for landscaping!)
Of course taking a saguaro is against the law but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Sometimes one falls on a person attacking it or trying to take it. Can’t really feel too sorry for that person.
Oh wow!
Lots and lots of birds live in these cacti so I guess they have skills I don’t. 🙂 Of course I’d need a much larger hole to burrow into!!
Just amazing to see
It is.
Ooh, I like this!
Thanks, Sue. 😊
😊😊
That’s one classy Dove nest. I love her nest and house especially her scalloped overhang. LOVE IT! 💚
So you’re saying she had or is a good interior decorator and contractor? 🙂
I like think it was the dove that picked the location, but yes, a very good contractor. 😂
Such a precious photo–so sweet. There are many different way to set-up home!
There are. This certainly wouldn’t be my preferred way, but it seems to be popular with birds. 🙂 Thanks, Joyce.
janet
Such a resourceful little fellow. Nature is incredible, and you’re so talented at capturing it.
I’m happy you enjoy nature through my lens, Hannah.
I’ve never seen this before, Janet – how cool! 🌞
Lots of birds seem to love the saguaro apartments, Lisa. More power to them.
Yes, yes, agreed! 🌞
I think it will be happy there!
It looks pretty satisfied to me. 🙂
😀
Sweet photograph of an adorable bird homestead. Love it, Janet.
Great info on cactus. It’s interesting the different ways nature
use of everything. Be Safe 😷 Izzy 😎
Thanks, Izzy. Glad you enjoyed the post. Even more amazing are the birds that live in holes in the cactus that are barely big enough for them to squeeze into. Hopefully they have a larger place inside!
janet
Nature is endlessly wonderful. Thanks for introducing me to something new today Janet.
Always my pleasure, Su.
Absolutely delightful find and photo!
The Preserve where I walk has an area of saguaro and the poor things are full of holes serving mainly as birds apartments. Good thing they’re hardy cacti!!