Agua Caliente is a small "recreation" area about four miles from us. This 101-acre park features a natural warm spring and pond that is home to an exceptionally rich mix of plants, wildlife, and historic features in the backdrop of the Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains. There are several historic buildings that have been renovated and are now used as a "visitor's center." There is a mesquite tree estimated to be about 300 years old. The spring itself lies within a grove of palm trees, at the east end of the park, near some picnic tables. The spring bubbles out of the ground at about 87 degrees F, crystal clear. The water flows downhill in a small creek, surrounded by dense palm tree growth. Within the water live several types of fish, and a variety of water insects. The water eventually flows into a large pond, frequented by several ducks and other waterfowl. Below this largest pond, the water flows into two more ponds. Trails link all these ponds together.
Here is some of the History:
5500 Years ago. Archaic projectile points found within the park boundaries suggest that the site was used by hunters and gatherers.
1150 AD. A Hohokam village, referred to as the Whiptail Site, was established.
1853-1870s. The spring was used as an army encampment following the Gadsden Purchase. It became a stagecoach stop on which came the palm trees; which are now 150 years old and big enough that it takes five people to get their arms around one.
1875. James P. Fuller purchased "Agua Caliente Rancho" and established an orchard and cattle ranch on the property.
1880s-1980s. Various owners operated the ranch as a cattle ranch and resort.
1984. Local businessman Roy P. Drachman donated over $200,000 toward the purchase of Agua Caliente. The donation provided the incentive for Pima County to proceed with the acquisition. Agua Caliente Park, a Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Facility, opened on January 19th, 1985.
July 9, 2009. Agua Caliente Ranch Historic Landscape was entered into the National Register of Historic Places.
Over the years I have photographed at Agua Caliente the following: Great Blue Heron, Black Crowned Night Heron, Green Heron, Great Egret, Osprey, Great Horned Owls, Cooper's Hawk, Red Tailed Hawk, many different kinds of ducks, turtles, lizards, and a wide variety of other birds.
Here are a few of the Great Blue Heron Photos:
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| Not a great photo but he got that fish down his bill by flipping it until it was head first. |
As you can see, Great Blues make for Great Photos in the right setting.
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