Saturday, May 26, 2012

Saturday Snapshot Has the Ouchies



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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.


House finch looking for tasty morsels. (Ouch #1)


Got it! (Ouch #2)

57 comments:

  1. 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.

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    1. I think most people have never really seen cacti in flower, so it's natural not to think about how they propagate themselves.

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  2. Isn't nature wonderful! They are incredible pictures, and you make cacti lok and sound so interesting.

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    1. Cacti are fascinating-- and there are so many different varieties!

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  3. What a fun thing to watch! Thanks for sharing...and now I'm curious about how they manage, too.

    Here's MY SATURDAY SNAPSHOT POST

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  4. Cathy - Those are stunning 'photos! I don't understand either how those birds manage to do that. Such skill!

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    1. I can picture how *I'd* look if I tried something like that!

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  5. No kidding - you would think that would be ouch!

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    1. I just want to cover up my face and whimper!

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  6. Wow, I've never thought about that either. Those birds are really dedicated!

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  7. That's amazing - what great photos!

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  8. That is a pretty big finch. Great quality on those shots.

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    1. House finches are rather large for their species-- and it happens to be dining at a smaller columnar cactus so it looks even bigger!

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  9. What an amazing shot that second one is !!!

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  10. Amazing photos, especially the second one. Makes me think I need a new camera ;-)

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  11. That's quite an acrobatic little finch. I've seen lots of bees in my cactus but so far no birds.

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    1. There's a much wider and more bountiful selection at your smorgasbord, Leslie! ;-)

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  12. What nice pictures, the second one especially. Thanks.

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  13. Oh wow! It never occurred to me how cacti would be pollinated! Very interesting and youchy photos!! ;)

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    1. I know-- I shudder every time I look at them!

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  14. When 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!

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    1. I won't even tell you what happened when a male friend of mine landed crotch-first into a cholla!

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  15. Finches's ingenuity. Is that how they survive?
    Very nice photos.

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    1. 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.

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  16. I have to assume that their claws aren't as fleshy as fingers and toes, so they can grab on without stabbing themselves. Great pics!

    My Snapshot

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  17. That is amazing -- I had no idea birds got their food from cacti like that. Awesome pictures!!

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  18. Wow, that is a skillful (or thick-feathered) bird!

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  19. Those are great pix! Nature's wonderfully amazing if we just take the time to look, isn't it?!

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  20. Had never wondered about that before. Wonderful photos.

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  21. Great photos. I have no idea how the birds manage that.

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    1. It makes me glad I wasn't born a bird here in the desert! :-)

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  22. What a stick-y situation! Great photos. It's amazing what animals can do.

    thanks for stopping by mine!

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    1. We can learn a lot from watching animals!

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  23. Indeed a clever bird. Great photos.

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  24. That is amazing, great shots.

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  25. Wonderful shots! I especially like your second one. What a great capture. Good job!

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  26. I 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!

    Your photos are really terrific! I'm glad you shared them with us too! Have a wonderful weekend!! :)

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  27. gorgeous pictures! we've had finches trying to set up on top of our camper and peeking in the windows

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    1. Be careful-- if they want to get in, they will find a way! LOL

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