The Sonoran Desert
Burrowing Owl courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey
Scorpion photo courtesy of Gary Stolz, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
took this photo of the Javelinas at Tonto National Park
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Phoenix, Arizona is the largest city located within the Sonoran Desert. The Sonoran Desert is considered the wettest desert in the world, receiving 25 inches of rain per year in some places. The Sonoran Desert is often called the low desert, it encompasses the US states of Arizona and California as well as the Mexican states of Sonora and Baja California. What makes the Sonoran Desert special? For one, it is the only place in the world where the iconic Saguaro cactus grow wild. People often envision the desert as hot and dusty a place void of life, but the Sonoran Desert is beautiful. Yes it gets really hot here, and on average the summer temps are in the 100+ range, but there is tons of life here in the Sonoran Desert. It is home to many plants-the Sonoran Desert has over 2,000 native plants. Some popular cactus plants include the Cholla, beavertail, hedgehog, prickly pear, ocotillo, and organ pipe to name a few. Agaves, Creosote bush , mesquite, palo verde trees are abundant here as well. If you're ever visiting the Sonoran Desert after a rainfall and wonder what that pungent smell is, well that is the Creosote bush. When you're in Phoenix, you'll notice that many palm trees and tropical plants can survive here in the Sonoran Desert as well. By late March the desert is in full bloom with gorgeous pinks, white, yellow and red. The desert wildflower displays are stunning with the mountain and cactus backdrops. The Sonoran Desert is home to millions of people, and many species of animals, reptiles and birds. Common creatures that are seen javelina, coyotes, bobcats, gila monsters, scorpions, tarantula, quail, roadrunners, various lizards, cactus wren, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope. Arizona is home to over 350 bird species including 15 species of hummingbirds. In fact Southeastern Arizona has some of the best hummingbird viewing areas in the country. If you are interested in learning more about desert plant life visit the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix or the Sonoran Desert Museum in Tucson.
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