Avi Kwa Ame National Monument ~ in the Heat of Summer

JULY 2024

The temperatures are high, so most of the creatures that call Avi Kwa Ame National Monument home have been active at night, choosing to rest in the shade and in burrows to conserve energy during the heat of the day. The night air is filled with the busy work of pollinators making up for lost time, with bats and birds joining in as they fervently collect their fill of flying insects. The wildlife pond at the Searchlight Mystery Ranch has been a busy hangout spot for many animals doing their best to keep cool. Great horned owls have been some of the most flamboyant visitors, taking dips in the pond throughout the night* (with lots of hooting and feather-ruffling). Nighttime in the summer is also the best time to view the Milky Way and enjoy the monument’s beautiful dark night skies.  

It’s a great time to spot seeds here, rather than flowers. We’re seeing lots of fuzzy creosote, fluffy rust-colored clouds of California buckwheat, slender curving bean pods of catclaw acacia, and spires of desert needle grass.

While temperatures can be high in the summer, it’s an absolutely beautiful time of year here. We recommend early morning walks, scenic drives, and enjoying some evening stargazing.

*take a peek at some great horned owl pond action at the Searchlight Mystery Ranch