April 18, 2009
This is how all Saguaro cacti get their start. They must grow under the shade of a Palo Verde tree for at least the first five years to be protected from the sun. Eventually the cactus outlives the tree and stands alone.
This is how all Saguaro cacti get their start. They must grow under the shade of a Palo Verde tree for at least the first five years to be protected from the sun. Eventually the cactus outlives the tree and stands alone.
April 18, 2009
Rattlesnake, before I somehow managed to get him rattling at me.
Rattlesnake, before I somehow managed to get him rattling at me.
April 18, 2009
He's not happy now. Once he started rattling, he never moved, but continued to rattle for the next 20 minutes continuously. I even walked away and then came back to get a cell phone video, and he was still going.
He's not happy now. Once he started rattling, he never moved, but continued to rattle for the next 20 minutes continuously. I even walked away and then came back to get a cell phone video, and he was still going.
April 20, 2009
Great Horned Owl.
Great Horned Owl.
April 23, 2009
Juvenile Great Horned Owls. Every spring from 2008 to 2017 I hiked 5 minutes from my house to visit a local owl nest and see how the chicks were doing. Lots of opportunities as I often visited more than once a week through the season. LOTS of owl pictures.
Juvenile Great Horned Owls. Every spring from 2008 to 2017 I hiked 5 minutes from my house to visit a local owl nest and see how the chicks were doing. Lots of opportunities as I often visited more than once a week through the season. LOTS of owl pictures.
April 23, 2009
The parents. I call them Waldo and Wanda.
The parents. I call them Waldo and Wanda.
April 23, 2009
April 25, 2009
April 25, 2009
Palo Verde tree in full bloom near my housing association's swimming pool.
Palo Verde tree in full bloom near my housing association's swimming pool.
April 26, 2009
This is a sequence of a hawk harassing a Great Horned Owl. Both had nests in the area that year. The hawk is out of frame here, but the owl is looking at him diving in.
This is a sequence of a hawk harassing a Great Horned Owl. Both had nests in the area that year. The hawk is out of frame here, but the owl is looking at him diving in.
April 26, 2009
In this image, the hawk is right in the middle, but hard to see against the shade. You can see a wing clearly, and the shadow of the other wing. The owl is reacting.
In this image, the hawk is right in the middle, but hard to see against the shade. You can see a wing clearly, and the shadow of the other wing. The owl is reacting.
April 26, 2009
Here the owl has just passed the moment of closest approach, and the owl is pressed back against the cactus.
Here the owl has just passed the moment of closest approach, and the owl is pressed back against the cactus.
April 26, 2009
In this image the hawk is out of frame and the owl is looking at him. A very unusual sequence. Wish I had zoomed back a bit more as this was going on.
In this image the hawk is out of frame and the owl is looking at him. A very unusual sequence. Wish I had zoomed back a bit more as this was going on.
April 26, 2009
April 26, 2009
Three juvenile Great Horned Owls in the tree next to their nest.
Three juvenile Great Horned Owls in the tree next to their nest.
April 28, 2009
April 28, 2009
April 28, 2009
April 28, 2009
April 28, 2009
April 28, 2009
May 4, 2009
May 4, 2009
May 4, 2009
'Jumping' Cholla. Those arm segments fall off, and you unwittingly kick them as you walk by. Instantly you have a cactus spine through your shoe and into your foot. Not easily removed either, as they have a bit of a hook on the end of the spine. (Best removed with pliers or a hair comb.)
'Jumping' Cholla. Those arm segments fall off, and you unwittingly kick them as you walk by. Instantly you have a cactus spine through your shoe and into your foot. Not easily removed either, as they have a bit of a hook on the end of the spine. (Best removed with pliers or a hair comb.)
May 4, 2009
May 5, 2009
This cactus has seen better days. There are a number of shotgun wounds as well as all the twisty arms.
This cactus has seen better days. There are a number of shotgun wounds as well as all the twisty arms.
May 5, 2009
Shotgun damage
Shotgun damage
May 5, 2009
May 5, 2009
May 5, 2009
May 5, 2009
May 5, 2009
It's a beautiful area.
It's a beautiful area.
February 16, 2010
February 16, 2010
February 16, 2010
February 16, 2010
February 16, 2010
March 5, 2010
March 5, 2010
March 16, 2010
March 16, 2010
March 16, 2010
March 16, 2010
March 18, 2010
March 18, 2010
March 18, 2010
March 18, 2010
March 18, 2010
April 1, 2010
April 1, 2010
April 1, 2010
April 1, 2010
April 1, 2010
April 1, 2010
April 1, 2010
April 1, 2010
April 1, 2010
April 1, 2010
April 1, 2010
April 1, 2010
April 7, 2010
April 7, 2010
April 7, 2010
April 7, 2010
April 18, 2010
April 18, 2010
April 18, 2010
April 18, 2010
April 18, 2010
April 18, 2010
April 18, 2010
April 18, 2010
April 18, 2010
April 19, 2010
April 19, 2010
April 19, 2010
April 19, 2010
April 19, 2010
April 19, 2010
April 19, 2010
April 19, 2010
April 19, 2010
April 19, 2010
October 27, 2010
October 27, 2010
October 27, 2010
October 27, 2010
October 27, 2010
October 27, 2010
October 27, 2010
October 27, 2010
October 27, 2010
November 2, 2010
November 2, 2010
November 2, 2010
November 2, 2010
November 4, 2010
November 4, 2010
November 4, 2010
November 5, 2010
November 5, 2010
November 5, 2010
November 5, 2010
November 5, 2010
November 5, 2010
November 5, 2010
November 5, 2010
December 7, 2010
December 17, 2010
December 29, 2012
Hot air balloons are extremely common in the area.
Hot air balloons are extremely common in the area.
December 29, 2012
February 7, 2013
Dead Saguaro cactus base.
Dead Saguaro cactus base.
March 3, 2013
March 3, 2013
March 3, 2013
March 7, 2013
I found a scorpion when putting on my socks. I've had a history of scorpions in this particular house since I bought it. Once I rolled over on one in bed and got stung three times.
I found a scorpion when putting on my socks. I've had a history of scorpions in this particular house since I bought it. Once I rolled over on one in bed and got stung three times.
March 7, 2013
Argh! Go Away!
Argh! Go Away!
March 25, 2013
Palo Verde tree blooms.
Palo Verde tree blooms.
March 28, 2013
Harris (probably) or Redtail Hawk
Harris (probably) or Redtail Hawk
March 28, 2013
A Harris Hawk nest in the 'hundred acre woods' showing their are clearly houses in the area.
A Harris Hawk nest in the 'hundred acre woods' showing their are clearly houses in the area.
March 28, 2013
Where's Waldo?
Where's Waldo?
March 28, 2013
Where's Waldo?
Where's Waldo?
March 28, 2013
Waldo
Waldo
March 28, 2013
March 28, 2013
March 28, 2013
March 30, 2013
Waldo
Waldo
March 30, 2013
March 30, 2013
I guess some kids actually found their way out of their backyards at least once.
I guess some kids actually found their way out of their backyards at least once.
March 30, 2013
April 3, 2013
Anna's Hummingbird
Anna's Hummingbird
April 5, 2013
April 5, 2013
April 5, 2013
April 5, 2013
April 5, 2013
April 5, 2013
April 5, 2013
April 5, 2013
April 10, 2013
April 10, 2013
Harris Hawk on a light pole
Harris Hawk on a light pole
April 10, 2013
April 12, 2013
April 12, 2013
Most mornings in the winter look like this here in north Phoenix.
Most mornings in the winter look like this here in north Phoenix.
April 21, 2013
Young Harris Hawks
Young Harris Hawks
April 21, 2013
Harris Hawk
Harris Hawk
April 21, 2013
Harris Hawk landing sequence
Harris Hawk landing sequence
April 21, 2013
Harris Hawk landing sequence
Harris Hawk landing sequence
April 21, 2013
Harris Hawk landing sequence
Harris Hawk landing sequence
April 21, 2013
Harris Hawk landing sequence
Harris Hawk landing sequence
April 21, 2013
April 24, 2013
April 24, 2013
April 24, 2013
April 24, 2013
May 5, 2013
May 5, 2013
May 5, 2013
Not very clear, but then it was a long way off with a lot of heat haze in the air. A pair of Harris Hawks rests together.
Not very clear, but then it was a long way off with a lot of heat haze in the air. A pair of Harris Hawks rests together.
May 5, 2013
May 5, 2013
May 5, 2013
May 5, 2013
May 5, 2013
May 5, 2013
May 5, 2013
May 5, 2013
May 5, 2013
May 15, 2013
May 15, 2013
May 15, 2013
There is a Great Horned Owl clearly visible in this image.
There is a Great Horned Owl clearly visible in this image.
May 15, 2013
May 15, 2013
May 15, 2013
May 15, 2013
May 22, 2013
There are two juvenile Great Horned Owls in the tree next to the nest.
There are two juvenile Great Horned Owls in the tree next to the nest.
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
Making some use of that arrow.
Making some use of that arrow.
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
Great Horned Owl landing sequence
Great Horned Owl landing sequence
May 22, 2013
Great Horned Owl landing sequence
Great Horned Owl landing sequence
May 22, 2013
Great Horned Owl landing sequence
Great Horned Owl landing sequence
May 22, 2013
Great Horned Owl landing sequence
Great Horned Owl landing sequence
May 22, 2013
Great Horned Owl landing sequence
Great Horned Owl landing sequence
May 22, 2013
Great Horned Owl landing sequence
Great Horned Owl landing sequence
May 22, 2013
Juvenile Great Horned Owl on the ground. He's still learning to fly. This has to be the time of greatest risk for a young bird.
Juvenile Great Horned Owl on the ground. He's still learning to fly. This has to be the time of greatest risk for a young bird.
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
December 5, 2013
Red Tailed Hawk
Red Tailed Hawk
December 5, 2013
Red Tailed Hawk
Red Tailed Hawk
January 6, 2014
January 6, 2014
Curved Bill Thrasher
Curved Bill Thrasher
January 6, 2014
January 8, 2014
Anna's Hummingbird turned such that there is no purple reflection off his feathers.
Anna's Hummingbird turned such that there is no purple reflection off his feathers.
January 8, 2014
This seems bizarre. A hawk and an owl are sharing a dead tree.
This seems bizarre. A hawk and an owl are sharing a dead tree.
January 8, 2014
January 8, 2014
January 22, 2014
January 22, 2014
January 22, 2014
January 22, 2014
Getting ready to head out to see the owls.
Getting ready to head out to see the owls.
February 15, 2014
You can't see much, but then it was miles away at night. Around Phoenix you can pay (a lot!) for a night balloon flight. Sounds dangerous, which I assume is why the price is high.
You can't see much, but then it was miles away at night. Around Phoenix you can pay (a lot!) for a night balloon flight. Sounds dangerous, which I assume is why the price is high.
March 25, 2014
There is a Great Horned Owl sitting on her nest in the distance.
There is a Great Horned Owl sitting on her nest in the distance.
March 25, 2014
March 31, 2014
March 31, 2014
Annas Hummingbird
Annas Hummingbird
March 31, 2014
March 31, 2014
April 4, 2014
You never know just what you'll come upon in the desert.
You never know just what you'll come upon in the desert.
April 4, 2014
April 4, 2014
April 4, 2014
April 4, 2014
April 8, 2014
Great Horned Owl flying away from distant nest as I approach. I'm at least 1/4 mile away here.
Great Horned Owl flying away from distant nest as I approach. I'm at least 1/4 mile away here.
April 8, 2014
April 8, 2014
April 15, 2014
The 'red moon'
The 'red moon'
April 25, 2014
April 25, 2014
April 25, 2014
May 11, 2014
May 11, 2014
May 11, 2014
May 11, 2014
September 8, 2014
Flash flood! When it rains heavily, dry washes get like thigs. We have a lot of roads that flood from these because we simply pave the river bottom and drive across the 99% of the time it is dry.
Flash flood! When it rains heavily, dry washes get like thigs. We have a lot of roads that flood from these because we simply pave the river bottom and drive across the 99% of the time it is dry.
May 6, 2015
May 6, 2015
Harris Hawk landing sequence
Harris Hawk landing sequence
May 6, 2015
Harris Hawk landing sequence
Harris Hawk landing sequence
May 6, 2015
Harris Hawk landing sequence
Harris Hawk landing sequence
May 6, 2015
Harris Hawk landing sequence
Harris Hawk landing sequence
May 6, 2015
Harris Hawk landing sequence
Harris Hawk landing sequence
May 6, 2015
Harris Hawk landing sequence
Harris Hawk landing sequence
May 6, 2015
May 6, 2015
May 6, 2015
May 6, 2015
May 6, 2015
May 6, 2015
May 6, 2015
May 6, 2015
March 31, 2016
March 31, 2016
April 18, 2016
April 18, 2016
April 18, 2016
May 19, 2016
May 22, 2016
May 22, 2016
May 22, 2016
November 6, 2016
Tucson area - oddly colored Saguaro
Tucson area - oddly colored Saguaro
November 6, 2016
Tucson area
Dead Saguaro skin
Tucson area
Dead Saguaro skin
November 6, 2016
Tucson area
Tucson area
November 6, 2016
Tucson area
Tucson area
November 6, 2016
Tucson area
Tucson area
November 6, 2016
Tucson area
Tucson area
November 6, 2016
Saguaro National Park west
Saguaro National Park west
November 6, 2016
Saguaro National Park west
Saguaro National Park west
November 6, 2016
Saguaro National Park west
Saguaro National Park west
November 6, 2016
Saguaro National Park west
Saguaro National Park west
November 6, 2016
Saguaro National Park west
Saguaro National Park west
November 6, 2016
Saguaro National Park west
Saguaro National Park west
November 6, 2016
Saguaro National Park west
Saguaro National Park west
November 6, 2016
Saguaro National Park west
Saguaro National Park west
November 6, 2016
Saguaro National Park west
Saguaro National Park west
November 6, 2016
Saguaro National Park west
Saguaro National Park west
November 6, 2016
Saguaro National Park west
Saguaro National Park west
January 4, 2017
January 4, 2017
March 19, 2018
May 19, 2018
May 19, 2018
May 19, 2018
May 19, 2018
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 15, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 2, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 3, 2020
May 13, 2020
It was a beautiful day, 81F, sunny, a bit windy. Today I went out to check on the Candelabra Nest as I knew the chicks in it were about to fledge.
It was a beautiful day, 81F, sunny, a bit windy. Today I went out to check on the Candelabra Nest as I knew the chicks in it were about to fledge.
May 13, 2020
On the walk over to the owl nest, I saw a Mickingbird in the far distance chasing ('mobbing' is the techincal term) a Raven.
On the walk over to the owl nest, I saw a Mickingbird in the far distance chasing ('mobbing' is the techincal term) a Raven.
May 13, 2020
In this shot it appears the Mockingbird actually nips one of the Raven's tail feathers.
In this shot it appears the Mockingbird actually nips one of the Raven's tail feathers.
May 13, 2020
From a half mile away, the nest appears to be empty today. 10 days earlier this nest held two Great Horned Owl chicks. Two other chicks had already fledged and were staying close to the nest while they gained strength and learned to fly. So there should be some owls close by if only I can find them.
From a half mile away, the nest appears to be empty today. 10 days earlier this nest held two Great Horned Owl chicks. Two other chicks had already fledged and were staying close to the nest while they gained strength and learned to fly. So there should be some owls close by if only I can find them.
May 13, 2020
How unusual! A large Saguaro died some years ago and is rotting, but this Palo Verde tree is holding up the skeleton.
It's ironic because a Saguaro needs to spend it's first 5 years growing in the shade of a Palo Verde tree. Eventually the tree grows old and dies, leaving the cactus alone in the sun. Here another Palo Verde tree must have grown up next to the mature cactus, eventually outliving it. From cradle to grave...
How unusual! A large Saguaro died some years ago and is rotting, but this Palo Verde tree is holding up the skeleton.
It's ironic because a Saguaro needs to spend it's first 5 years growing in the shade of a Palo Verde tree. Eventually the tree grows old and dies, leaving the cactus alone in the sun. Here another Palo Verde tree must have grown up next to the mature cactus, eventually outliving it. From cradle to grave...
May 13, 2020
Once i get close to the nest, I can confirm it is now empty of birds.
Once i get close to the nest, I can confirm it is now empty of birds.
May 13, 2020
Halfway up that nest cactus is a nice set of flowers blooming.
Halfway up that nest cactus is a nice set of flowers blooming.
May 13, 2020
10 days ago two juvenile owls were perched on the very top of this dead tree. No such luck today, so I started looking around the area. I looked at this tree three times from different angles. As I was walking back around, I finally noticed this Great Horned Owl just sitting there watching me.
10 days ago two juvenile owls were perched on the very top of this dead tree. No such luck today, so I started looking around the area. I looked at this tree three times from different angles. As I was walking back around, I finally noticed this Great Horned Owl just sitting there watching me.
May 13, 2020
A better view of the youngest of this year's Great Horned Owls.
Why youngest? Because the other three chicks from this year's clutch have already gotten farther away from the nest. Two of them were out of the nest a good two weeks ago.
When the young birds leave the nest, they can't really fly much, and they spend a week or so very close by the nest, sitting in trees that are very easy for a beginning flyer to navigate. Eventually they move on to Palo Verde trees with trickier landings (and much more cover). After a few weeks they leave the area. The parents come back in January to nest again. Except I think there may be no nest to come back to next January.
A better view of the youngest of this year's Great Horned Owls.
Why youngest? Because the other three chicks from this year's clutch have already gotten farther away from the nest. Two of them were out of the nest a good two weeks ago.
When the young birds leave the nest, they can't really fly much, and they spend a week or so very close by the nest, sitting in trees that are very easy for a beginning flyer to navigate. Eventually they move on to Palo Verde trees with trickier landings (and much more cover). After a few weeks they leave the area. The parents come back in January to nest again. Except I think there may be no nest to come back to next January.
May 13, 2020
A much better angle, but there are a lot of sticks in the way trying to get a sightline to this juvenile Great Horned owl.
A much better angle, but there are a lot of sticks in the way trying to get a sightline to this juvenile Great Horned owl.
May 13, 2020
While photographing the owl, a Gambel's Quail perched on the other side of the tree and started chirping at the owl.
While photographing the owl, a Gambel's Quail perched on the other side of the tree and started chirping at the owl.
May 13, 2020
A horizontal crop. Gambel's Quail.
A horizontal crop. Gambel's Quail.
May 13, 2020
Cam-owl-flage. Finding these birds can be extremely difficult unless you have the exact right angle to have a good sighline. They hide in trees with lots of branches. Here the owl is on the opposite side of this dead tree. No real chance of spotting him from here, though you can see him a bit through the middle.
Cam-owl-flage. Finding these birds can be extremely difficult unless you have the exact right angle to have a good sighline. They hide in trees with lots of branches. Here the owl is on the opposite side of this dead tree. No real chance of spotting him from here, though you can see him a bit through the middle.
May 13, 2020
Another angle.
Another angle.
May 13, 2020
While walking around the dead tree looking for the other chicks I know must be close by, I get yet another angle to the first owl.
While walking around the dead tree looking for the other chicks I know must be close by, I get yet another angle to the first owl.
May 13, 2020
And I am rewarded by spotting Great Horned Owl chick #2 hiding in a nearby Palo Verde tree. Again, if you don't have a good sightline, these birds can be very difficult to find. Here I knew there was likely to be a bird AND I knew it was likely to be in this (and one or two other) trees because they were closest to the nest.
And I am rewarded by spotting Great Horned Owl chick #2 hiding in a nearby Palo Verde tree. Again, if you don't have a good sightline, these birds can be very difficult to find. Here I knew there was likely to be a bird AND I knew it was likely to be in this (and one or two other) trees because they were closest to the nest.
May 13, 2020
A sudden movement 100 yards away to my left caught my eye as an owl flew out of a bush into a blooming Ironwood tree. And there was another owl already in that tree.
A sudden movement 100 yards away to my left caught my eye as an owl flew out of a bush into a blooming Ironwood tree. And there was another owl already in that tree.
May 13, 2020
Turning back around, I now have a clear sightline to owl #2.
Turning back around, I now have a clear sightline to owl #2.
May 13, 2020
Walking back around the dead tree yet again (had to go back and retrieve a tripod), I have another good view of owl #1.
Walking back around the dead tree yet again (had to go back and retrieve a tripod), I have another good view of owl #1.
May 13, 2020
Now I'm walking down toward a pair of owls in a blooming Ironwood tree.
Now I'm walking down toward a pair of owls in a blooming Ironwood tree.
May 13, 2020
There is clearly a juvenile Great Horned Owl in the tree, and an adult (probably the female mother) sitting on the end, not looking very happy with my approach.
There is clearly a juvenile Great Horned Owl in the tree, and an adult (probably the female mother) sitting on the end, not looking very happy with my approach.
May 13, 2020
Great Horned Owl.
Based on size (female Great Horned Owls are bigger than the males) and behavior (the mother birds tend to stay much much closer to the chicks than the males), I think this is the mother of the chicks.
Great Horned Owl.
Based on size (female Great Horned Owls are bigger than the males) and behavior (the mother birds tend to stay much much closer to the chicks than the males), I think this is the mother of the chicks.
May 13, 2020
I knew as I approached, slowly, that at some point the owl would take off and fly away. This is how I get some bird-in-flight shots, but it is tough. First, an owl waits until you look down for a split-second before they slightly take off. Second, they are very likely to fly away from you. Third, you have to look down as you approach in the desert because there are rattlesnakes out there too.
I knew as I approached, slowly, that at some point the owl would take off and fly away. This is how I get some bird-in-flight shots, but it is tough. First, an owl waits until you look down for a split-second before they slightly take off. Second, they are very likely to fly away from you. Third, you have to look down as you approach in the desert because there are rattlesnakes out there too.
May 13, 2020
There he goes. I got a few shots in focus, though they are just of a bird butt.
There he goes. I got a few shots in focus, though they are just of a bird butt.
May 13, 2020
May 13, 2020
Notice how she kicks her feet out with every wing flap.
Notice how she kicks her feet out with every wing flap.
May 13, 2020
May 13, 2020
May 13, 2020
May 13, 2020
Here is a juvenile Great Horned Owl sitting in an Ironwood tree.
Here is a juvenile Great Horned Owl sitting in an Ironwood tree.
May 13, 2020
The adult female flew away to a nearby branch. I followed and got some shots, but the shadows give her sort of a Zorro look.
The adult female flew away to a nearby branch. I followed and got some shots, but the shadows give her sort of a Zorro look.
May 13, 2020
May 13, 2020
It's the time of year that Saguaro cactus blooms. This will go on into early June around the Sonoran desert.
It's the time of year that Saguaro cactus blooms. This will go on into early June around the Sonoran desert.
May 13, 2020
This one cactus is just extremely twisty, and I have lots of pictures of it over the years. The nearest Saguaro cacti also have some of these swirls, so I'm thinking some weird weather phenomenon locally 60-70 years ago?
This one cactus is just extremely twisty, and I have lots of pictures of it over the years. The nearest Saguaro cacti also have some of these swirls, so I'm thinking some weird weather phenomenon locally 60-70 years ago?