Mike in the Wild

Photographs from the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix We're lucky to have in the middle of the Phoenix metropolitan sprawl a world-class desert plant museum and education center.  Their collections of cacti, succulents, trees  and plants from all the globe's arid regions are arranged in a multitude of beautiful landscapes, habitats and gardens. Unsurprisingly, the desert flora attract a multitude of critters that include many birds, both permanent and migratory. These wild animals are free to come and go, unlike the captives in the Phoenix Zoo located on the other side of Papago Park.  But as the garden showcases countless leafing and flowering plants and trees, there is a natural year-long supply of nourishment for these creatures. Unknown cactus with blooms. Under the canopy of blooming Chilean palo verde tree.  I thought of a cherry blossom tree painted yellow. Joshua tree with Chilean palo verde in bloom. Pink fairy duster. Yu...