Motoring Across America

With James "Alex" Alexander

with James "Alex" Alexander



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Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife

Blog 394: Desert Landscapes, Birds, and Critters

Cabeza Prieta NWR (https://www.fws.gov/refuge/cabeza-prieta/)
The refuge headquarters is only a mile from the park with a short walking path with a variety of cacti on the premises. The focus of the 800,000-acre refuge is the protection of the endangered Sonoran pronghorn.

One bright morning, several of us from our RV park took a hike at Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife area. Our destination was the old San Antonio Mine. Created before the 1939 establishment of the refuge, the mine was used to collect silica flux, feldspar, and scrap mica. Nice scenery in all directions.

Cabeza Prieta NWR

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
In 1976, The United Nations designated Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument as an International Biosphere Reserve, as an outstanding example of the Sonoran Desert. Organ Pipe was our favorite destination in the area, especially when it was primed for photograph—cloudy, rainy, or foggy. Our favorite location in the monument was the Ajo Mountain Drive, a 21-mile loop that always had views to enjoy and inspire. Learn more about this great destination and the monument at https://www.nps.gov/.

Deep Organ Pipe

Organ Pipe Morning

Painterly Organ Pipe

Ocotilla Landscape

More Cactus and Mountains

East of Ajo
One day I tagged along on a side-by-side trip east of Ajo.

East of Ajo

Shiva Cactus

Cactus Growth

Birds
The pair of house finches were taken at Organ Pipe campground. The rest were taken in our backyard.

House Finch Pair

Verdin at Hummer Feeder

Phainopepla

Kestrel

Greenish Hummer

Hum Dinger

Hummer Ready for Flight

Critters
The antelope squirrel was shot at Organ Pipe. The javelina was walking through town—these critters are everywhere.

Antelope Squirrel

Javalina

Finally, although Jackson is not a “critter,” his resting on a pillow seemed like a good way to close this busy time with a nod, a wink, and a comfy pillow.

Resting Jack

See you next time.