“Who’s s/he when s/he’s at home?” is a colloquial way of saying “Hey, just who is that person?” At the Preserve, as Lisa (Micro of the Macro) and I observed, there were quite a few at home in the saguaro cacti apartments many birds call home. The saguaro cactus is an iconic foundational plant of the Southwest, providing much more than just apartments for birds but some of the cacti are so riddled with holes, it’s a wonder they’re still standing. On this day, we observed a number of the residents. This mourning dove couple obviously is into (literally) the little house craze.
Not exactly a high-end mattress but this bird seems to be quite comfy in her nest of twigs. With all the cactus spines surrounding the next, I imagine she’ll be undisturbed by any predators.
Anybody home?
Is this a flicker or a woodpecker? I’m not sure but a group of flickers is called a “menorah,” “guttering” or a “Peterson”, which is kind of fun to know, even though this isn’t a group. A group of woodpeckers is a “descent” which really isn’t as interesting as far as I’m concerned. Thus ended our lesson for today. Thanks for attending. 🙂
Although Lisa was happy and I was happy that she was happy, we didn’t see nearly as many birds as usual overall, but the saguaros didn’t disappoint. Which is just what my husband always says about Chianti. 🙂
This, that and the other thing 
When they are at home and on camera they are gorgeous. A terrific post. Thank you.
I didn’t realise that birds nested in these cacti
They’re just like apartment complexes. 😉
They are aren’t they
That last bird looks like a flicker to me. Decades ago I wondered how these magnificent large cactus stayed alive with all the holes they have in them.
They don’t all but some of them are riddled with holes yet still standing.
It’s amazing where the birds will make their nests!
It is.
Very cool sightings, Janet! It’s amazing that one arm hasn’t fallen off given the size of the crack in it!
Probably one day it will.
What a prickly home they’ve chosen. I guess they’re quite safe from predators.
I think they probably are, especially those with the little hole as an entrance.
Wow, now that is the picture of resilience. There are few things more forbidding than a spiked cactus, and yet these birds found a way to make it into a happy home. 🙂
It’s so interesting, that’s for sure. The birds seem so comfortable around all those spines!
I didn’t know bird’s nest in cacti! Great captures, Janet!
Thanks, Amy. Lots of them do here which makes sense when there aren’t as many trees. In the Preserve there are also lots of nests in bushes and trees.
The bird equivalent of our “security estates” with their hi-tech security measures behind high walls and electric fences…
Good analogy!
You might enjoy this article, not bird-related:
https://www.world.rugby/news/704400/selvyn-davids-hsbc-world-rugby-sevens-series-singapore-interview
Exciting!
It is! Just two days.
I love the birds in the cactus!! I see a woodpecker visiting his cactus home often on my walk in the neighborhood. And I’ve heard the little ones in there too!! (but not with my camera in hand 😕) Great photos Janet!
I’d love to see the little ones. Haven’t managed to see any of them yet. But I do like the woodpeckers.
I haven’t seen the little ones either, but I hear them!
Beautiful shots, Janet. And thanks for mentioning my site again! 🌞
Happy to, Lisa. It was such an enjoyable day.
It was super fun.🌞