Arroyo Willow

To capture the wildlife that revolves around an Arroyo Willow, don't just point your camera at the trunk; focus on the 'edge' where the dense branches meet a water source or a clearing. Because this willow creates such thick cover, animals often use it as a safe 'highway' to move between habitats. Mount your camera on a sturdy branch about 3 to 4 feet off the ground, aiming at a game trail leading into the thicket or at the water's edge where thirsty visitors congregate under the willow's shade.

During the blooming season (late winter to early spring), Arroyo Willow catkins are a hive of activity. Set your camera to video mode or high-speed bursts to capture the variety of pollinators and insect-eating birds, such as warblers and flycatchers, that flock to the yellow flowers. Because willows often have many thin, flexible branches, wind can cause frequent 'false triggers.' To avoid a memory card full of swaying leaves, clear small twigs from the immediate foreground of the lens and set your camera's sensitivity to 'Medium' or use a 'Zone' trigger if your AI camera supports it.

Mammals like deer, bobcats, and gray foxes love the Arroyo Willow for its cooling shade during hot summer afternoons. If you are placing a camera in a backyard or near a creek, look for the 'bedding' areas—flattened grass or dirt under the canopy—and position your camera to catch these animals as they rest. Since these spots are often deeply shaded, ensure your camera has a high-quality infrared (IR) flash to capture crisp black-and-white images of the nocturnal traffic that uses these trees for protection at night.