Standing Watch -- Bird on Saguaro Cactus in Saguaro National Park, Arizona Canvas Print

A small bird stands watch at the top of a giant Saguaro at Saguaro National Park, Arizona.

Saguaros are native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, the Mexican State of Sonora, and two tiny areas of southeastern California. They are commonly associated with the American Southwest, but regardless of what may be portrayed by Hollywood they are not found naturally in Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Monument Valley in Arizona, or any other location outside of the Sonoran Desert. They can live over 150 years and usually grow to about 40 feet, although the tallest on record measured 78 feet in height. The distinctive ridges in the body of the cactus allow for expansion as the plant absorbs water from infrequent rains to store for later use.

Saguaro National Park is located outside Tucson, Arizona and is split into two sections, one on each side of the city. It was created as a National Monument in 1933, and was elevated to a National Park by Congress in 1994, to protect the giant sag...

I have been photographing the things I see for over thirty years. A resident of San Luis Obispo County, I'm lucky to have many excellent photo destinations within a few minutes' or hours' drive. Beyond the local area, I have traveled throughout California and the western United States, visited far away American destinations such as Chicago, New York, Florida, and Alaska, and international destinations in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. My photography varies from Architecture to Industrial Art to Nature to Wildlife and I'm sure you'll find something suitable for your home or office. Visit my blog