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Cacti rely on insects, birds, and other critters to pollinate them-- but do you ever wonder how those critters manage to do it with all those needle-sharp spikes that are usually in the way? Me, too. Denis and I even watched a house finch do it, and we still couldn't understand how that bird managed to get at what it wanted without getting skewered. Oh, for that bird's dexterity!
Click photos to view full size.
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| House finch looking for tasty morsels. (Ouch #1) |
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| Got it! (Ouch #2) |
How fascinating, I've never seen anything like that. I'd never thought about cactus pollination, you do have to wonder how the bird does it without getting hurt.
ReplyDeleteI think most people have never really seen cacti in flower, so it's natural not to think about how they propagate themselves.
DeleteIsn't nature wonderful! They are incredible pictures, and you make cacti lok and sound so interesting.
ReplyDeleteCacti are fascinating-- and there are so many different varieties!
DeleteGreat close-up photos. Here's Mine
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paulita!
DeleteWhat a fun thing to watch! Thanks for sharing...and now I'm curious about how they manage, too.
ReplyDeleteHere's MY SATURDAY SNAPSHOT POST
Glad you enjoyed the photos!
DeleteCathy - Those are stunning 'photos! I don't understand either how those birds manage to do that. Such skill!
ReplyDeleteI can picture how *I'd* look if I tried something like that!
DeleteNo kidding - you would think that would be ouch!
ReplyDeleteI just want to cover up my face and whimper!
DeleteWow, I've never thought about that either. Those birds are really dedicated!
ReplyDeleteOr really hungry!
DeleteWOW tenacious birds!
ReplyDeleteThey certainly are, Jackie!
DeleteThat's amazing - what great photos!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathy!
DeleteThat is a pretty big finch. Great quality on those shots.
ReplyDeleteHouse finches are rather large for their species-- and it happens to be dining at a smaller columnar cactus so it looks even bigger!
DeleteWhat an amazing shot that second one is !!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos, especially the second one. Makes me think I need a new camera ;-)
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind a new one myself! LOL
DeleteThat's quite an acrobatic little finch. I've seen lots of bees in my cactus but so far no birds.
ReplyDeleteThere's a much wider and more bountiful selection at your smorgasbord, Leslie! ;-)
DeleteWhat nice pictures, the second one especially. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joe. I'm glad you enjoyed them.
DeleteOh wow! It never occurred to me how cacti would be pollinated! Very interesting and youchy photos!! ;)
ReplyDeleteI know-- I shudder every time I look at them!
DeleteWhen I was down in Tucson and went to a cactus garden I had to remember to pay attention and not swing my arms out while I was talking. The last thing I wanted to do was spend my entire flight home picking out cactus spines. :) That bird is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI won't even tell you what happened when a male friend of mine landed crotch-first into a cholla!
DeleteFinches's ingenuity. Is that how they survive?
ReplyDeleteVery nice photos.
All the birds here are highly adaptable. They have to be to live in the desert. There are many species not listed as fruit eaters who've taken a liking to the oranges we keep out for the citrus lovers. If an animal here in the desert sees tasty-looking food, it figures out a way to get to it.
DeleteI have to assume that their claws aren't as fleshy as fingers and toes, so they can grab on without stabbing themselves. Great pics!
ReplyDeleteMy Snapshot
You'd be correct, Lisa! :-)
DeleteThat is amazing -- I had no idea birds got their food from cacti like that. Awesome pictures!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melissa!
DeleteWow, that is a skillful (or thick-feathered) bird!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely!
DeleteThose are great pix! Nature's wonderfully amazing if we just take the time to look, isn't it?!
ReplyDeleteIt most certainly is!
DeleteHad never wondered about that before. Wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lee!
DeleteGreat photos. I have no idea how the birds manage that.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me glad I wasn't born a bird here in the desert! :-)
DeleteWhat a stick-y situation! Great photos. It's amazing what animals can do.
ReplyDeletethanks for stopping by mine!
We can learn a lot from watching animals!
DeleteIndeed a clever bird. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Irene!
DeleteThat is amazing, great shots.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nise'!
DeleteWonderful shots! I especially like your second one. What a great capture. Good job!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI wonder about things that too, especially this time of year when we are now outside every chance we get. We put up a humming bird feeder last year and those little guys are amazing!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are really terrific! I'm glad you shared them with us too! Have a wonderful weekend!! :)
You, too, Debbie!
Deletegorgeous pictures! we've had finches trying to set up on top of our camper and peeking in the windows
ReplyDeleteBe careful-- if they want to get in, they will find a way! LOL
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