Did You Know – November 2024

Tim O’Keefe – Valley Vista

Interesting facts about Arizona:

Arizona’s official state bird is the Cactus wren

If you’re looking for a list of Arizona state symbols, don’t forget about its state bird. The Cactus wren is native to the area and became a symbol for the state in 1931. Since the bird is endemic to Arizona, no other state can claim it. Cactus wrens are vivacious little birds with a unique song you can hear when they’re nesting in the spring.

Kitt Peak National Observatory has one of the largest solar telescopes

The McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope contributes to some of the most interesting facts about Arizona state. This telescope used to be the largest solar telescope in the world and is found at the Kitt Peak National Observatory.

This telescope has helped scientists study the structure of sunspots and make important discoveries, such as the presence of water and isotopic helium in the sun.

The Four Corners Monument lets you be in four places at once

Arizona is one of the “Four Corners states.” The borders of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona all come together to share a corner border.

A popular attraction for locals and tourists is the Four Corners Monument. This is a marked spot on the ground where these state borders meet. If you crouch with a hand or foot in each of the sections of the monument, you can technically be in 4 places at once.

The state tree is the palo verde

Though the Saguaro cactus may reach tree-like heights, it’s not a tree. Thus, the actual state tree of Arizona is the palo verde.

One interesting fact about the Palo Verde is that there are actually two species of this tree that are native to Arizona- the Foothill Palo Verde and the Blue Palo Verde. No specific species were named in the approved House bill, so both species enjoy this honor