We hiked the Sonoran Desert canyons and ridges in March and enjoyed the warm, dry weather and the burst of wildflowers along the trails. Insects were busy on blooms and the camera was also well-used capturing a few images of wildflowers and pollinators, shared here.
honey bee on desert chicory
A number of butterflies and moths were also active at this time of year.
common fiddleneck
I was taking a photo of a bee on blue dicks and it suddenly rose vertically. I followed with my camera, adjusting the focus.
blue dicks
Miner’s lettuce grew only on north-facing wet sloped areas. This one was being pollinated by a fly.
(fly) pollinator on miner’s lettuce
Manzanita attracts both butterflies and humming birds.
azure on manzanita
I waited out a fluttering butterfly, then it landed long enough for a portrait.
Empress Leilia (Asterocampa leilia)
This Arizona powdered-skipper was caught on desert chicory.
And, watching for pollinators-as-a-meal, various small birds flitted among the vegetation, pausing on a branch now and then to call out. We enjoyed spring in the desert.
canyon towhee