House Finch & how they avoid cactus needles. Several people have wondered how some of these desert birds are able to perch on cactus limbs without impaling themselves. Here's a close-up crop showing how they position their talons on and in between the needles. In all the years I've been photographing southwest birds, I've only seen the aftermath of one who missed its landing and it was not pretty. So, the odds are heavily favoring the birds.
THIS IS A LOW QUALITY PREVIEW. Please log in to see the good quality stuff.
THIS IS A LOW QUALITY PREVIEW. Please log in to see the good quality stuff.