Phoenix High Rise Collapses
By
Gerry Niskern
A high rise with high occupancy fell to the ground this week. There is no possibility of rebuilding. Several birds were raising families in nests down in the many holes in the giant Saguaro cactus that graced my front yard.
The majestic tall Saguaro grew to over 20 feet in this yard for over fifty years. I don’t really know how old she was. She looked down on other smaller Saguaros, a wonderful Organ Pipe, and some smaller barrels.
In the Spring her top was adorned with a crown of creamy white blossoms. (Did you know the Saguaro blossom Is our state flower?) All the birds loved to eat the blossoms and the bees liked the nector. Many of the occupants inside the holes in her pale green form were Cactus Wrens. (Did you know the Cactus Wren is the official state bird of Arizona?)
Lots of old friends who walk by on nice evenings, made a point to come on this hot day to ask “what happened”. They were really sad to see a familiar landmark on our street meet her end. During most of the year I sit out side in the evening and watch the mother birds flying back and forth to the various holes feeding their young. I could hear their little squeaks and see tiny heads popping into view sometimes.
I will miss her and so will all her tenants!
Gerry Niskern
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
That’s so sad about the cactus . The poor birds will have to find a new place to live .
Gerry I was so sad to see the majestic Saguaro lying on her side partially covering your driveway. Initially I was sad thinking about the loss of her in the neighborhood as I walked by with my dogs. Thank you for sharing the rest of her story regarding the loss to all her inhabitants. We have lost too many beautiful and majestic saguaros in our neighborhood over the past few years. It’s so sad to see them go. Thanks again for highlighting the entire loss.