Dead cottonwood trees against a blue sky. Empire Ranch, near Sonoita, Arizona.
These massive cottonwoods grow along the creek beds in the arid desert.
The cottonwoods are distinctive enough to merit an informational sign 🙂
The still living trees are massive habitats for the local birds.
The sun moved behind the clouds changing the lighting.
These cottonwoods have been here for longer than the ranch. There is a mix of mature trees plus some older dead trees and younger ones filling in.