The Sonoran Desert in Spring

Some people think of the desert as desolate and void of color, with an occasional oasis off in the distance. Those same people will be astonished with the spring blooms of various hues that blanket the Sonoran Desert in late March and all of April. With every turn, the splash of vivid colors paints the desert floor. There are contrasting blooms, such as the meadow flowers, which cover the expansive desert terrain, and cacti blooming with flowers and succulent fruit. This is one reason the Arizona State Flower is the majestic Saguaro Cactus Blossom. The budding and blooming this spring is far reaching due to our moist winter. Tanque Verde Ranch’s famous Prickly Pear Margaritas will be robust this year as the prickly pear cacti are filled with fruit this spring. We harvest these in our own backyard to create our signature masterpieces. They are the perfect medicine to a relaxing vacation while soaking up the Arizona sun and scenery. One of our latest and most popular guided hike is the “Food and Pharmacy of the Desert” walk. Our guides will lead you through the dessert while stopping along the way many times to point out and explain all the different uses of the plants and cacti including medicinal, food and many other uses the Native Americans thrived off of in the Sonoran Desert. You will have the chance to ask questions and get answers during this informative tour. Learn how amazing and useful the plants, cacti and flowers are in the Sonoran Desert by absorbing a wealth of knowledge. With flowers, comes an array of birds for the avid bird watcher to view. Since we are located along the migratory path between Canada and Mexico, over 500 bird species may be viewed. Hummingbirds are everywhere with more than 150 species! Bring your binoculars to catch a glimpse of our spectacular desert dwelling birds. Whether you venture out with our experienced birding guide or take a nature stroll on your own, you may spot a Northern Cardinal, Roadrunner, Curve-billed Thrasher, Black-throated Sparrow, Western Kingbird, or Black Phoebe. Observe a Cactus Wren in a Saguaro, or an American Coot, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, American Kestrel, Osprey, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Belted Kingfisher, Mallard Duck, Ruddy Duck and an Inca Dove in their natural habitat. We have plenty of rare species of bird indicative to Southeastern Arizona and the Southwest for you to hopefully catch a snap shot to bring home with you. At the higher altitudes you may find a Vermillion Flycatcher, Whiskered Screech Owl, Roadrunners, Gila Woodpeckers, and Gambel’s Quail. Other rare sightings of the Northern Goshawk, Yellow-eyed Junco, Mexican Jay, Anna’s Hummingbird, Elf Owl, Harris’ Hawk, Phainopepla, Pyrrhuloxia, and Verdin may occur also. With so many varieties, you are sure to observe one of the fantastic birds enjoying the fruits and blossoms of spring. Make a trip to the Southwest this spring to encounter a desert full of color and blossoms. Tanque Verde Ranch boasts untouched landscape as far as the eye can see to fully experience the celebration and beauty of the Sonoran Desert in bloom. Click here to see what we have available this spring to enjoy this beautiful time of the year.