The rare annual saguaro migration unveiled

During a recent trip to Payson, up the Beeline Highway, I was privileged to see the annual Saguaro Migration in full swing. This annual event has been totally ignored by everyone from National Geographic to Arizona Highways. It has also yet to be featured on Blue Planet. You will have to excuse the pictures because they were taken at 65 mph on the highway. It is not recommended that you exit your vehicle while the Saguaros are migrating.

You can just see the herd in the distance, coming over the hill. It is unusual to see them during daylight hours, but the weather has been very warm into the later part of the year and saguaros take advantage of the warm weather, even during daylight hours.

An old male saguaro is running from a pack of carnivorous cholla. The cholla prey on the weaker, smaller saguaros or those who stray from the herd.

You can just catch the lead bull saguaro leading the march across the desert.



A few juvenile Saguaros approach the highway. Unfortunately, many are killed trying to cross four lanes of traffic. You often see their squished bodies laying on the side of the road with their little roots sticking into the air. You who live in the South can relate by thinking of armadillos only longer and green.

Another shot showing a mixed group gathering for a quick dash across the highway.

He who hesitates is lost. Some of these fellows appear a little undecided.

This is a Saguaro barrier, a futile attempt to protect the migrating herd. You may think it is a crash barrier but that is what they want you to think.

Arizona is a land of extremes. But it is very disappointing that the conservationists have been so effective in protecting this species that their annual migration has almost gone unnoticed.