Wildlife


Discover the wildlife of the Salt River through stories and photographs that celebrate the many species who share this unique desert ecosystem. From birds and reptiles to the animals often overlooked, these stories explore the beauty, resilience, and connections that make this landscape special.

Costa’s Hummingbird — A True Desert Resident

Sometimes the most remarkable wildlife along the Salt River comes in the smallest packages. The Costa's hummingbird (Calypte costae) is one of the Sonoran Desert's most extraordinary birds. Measuring only...
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Bobcat — Built for the Hunt

If you’re lucky enough to spot a bobcat along the Salt River, you may not have much time to look. They move quietly and deliberately through the landscape—and this remarkable...
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Flame Skimmer — Built for Control

Along the Salt River, you’ll see these bright orange dragonflies holding to the same stems along the edge of the water. This is a male Flame Skimmer. 🧭 Natural History...
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The Blue Dasher

If you’ve spent time along the Salt River, you’ve likely seen this dragonfly—cutting across the water, hovering for a moment, then disappearing just as quickly. 🧭 Behavior and Habitat The...
Read More about The Middle Current: Beyond the Polarized Debate about The Blue Dasher about The Blue Dasher