For this Skywatch Friday post I’m returning once again to the brilliant blue skies of Arizona. In March of 2008, my wife and I and our 8 month old son spent 10 days visiting a number of natural history destinations in this fascinating (and warm) state. One of our must see destinations was Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, primarily for the botany and bird watching. Of course, the skies were phenomenal as well. Enjoy!

What to Look For

The teddy-bear cholla is one of the signature species in National Monument. Known as the teddy-bear cholla (Opuntia bigelovii) because of its “cuddly appearance,” this cactus is very common in the national monument, especially in Teddy Bear Pass.

Brittlebrush was in full bloom in the national monument. The flowers covered the hillsides of the park with a wash of yellow colour.

The protected area is named for the organ pipe cactus. Unlike the saguaro cactus, the organ pipe cactus is a cluster of long, fingerlike stems reaching towards the sky. The natural monument is the only place to see large groups of this distinctive cactus in the United States. This remarkable cactus can live to an age of 135 years.