Monsoon morning in Saguaro

August 28, 2023 · Saguaro National Park (east), Arizona · Humid from overnight rain, 74°F at dawn, clouds breaking · Fujifilm X-T5, 150-600mm

The monsoon had been active for a week and the desert smelled like creosote. I hiked the Douglas Spring trail from the east entrance at 5:30 a.m. Gila woodpeckers were calling from every other saguaro and a Harris’s Hawk flew low across the wash as I crossed it. Got my first decent shot of a Gilded Flicker — a species I’d missed the last two trips.

Heat was up by 9:30 and I was back at the car by ten. Lens cleaning after the monsoon dust is a whole operation but worth it for that low, wet light.

Gila woodpecker at a saguaro cavity — Two birds were going in and out of this hole. Gila Woodpecker 350mm, 1/1000s, f/8, ISO 400

Harris's hawk perched on a saguaro arm — Probably a young bird. Didn't flush. Harris's Hawk 300mm, 1/2000s, f/7.1, ISO 640

Gilded flicker on a saguaro — Yellow shafts on the wing. Nice surprise. Gilded Flicker 400mm, 1/1250s, f/6.3, ISO 1250

Cactus wren singing from a cholla — They have no volume control. Cactus Wren 150mm, 1/1000s, f/5.6, ISO 200

Thrasher with curved bill in morning light — Backlit and perfect. Curve-billed Thrasher 500mm, 1/1000s, f/7.1, ISO 1250

Sparrow on a rock — Cleanest little bird in the desert. Black-throated Sparrow 200mm, 1/1000s, f/6.3, ISO 640

Tall saguaro against broken cloud — Monsoon sky behind it. No editing needed. Saguaro in morning light 23mm, 1/125s, f/5.6, ISO 100

Cottontail rabbit crouched in shade — Held perfectly still and trusted it. Desert Cottontail 600mm, 1/1000s, f/8, ISO 640

Male hummingbird at red flower — Magenta gorget caught briefly. Costa's Hummingbird 200mm, 1/1250s, f/5.6, ISO 640