Prickly Poppies are one of my favorite summer wildflowers. I find these poppies in desert habitats, most often in the foothills of sky island mountain ranges.

Flatbud Prickly Poppies in bloom, West Desert, Tooele County, UtahFlatbud Prickly Poppies in bloom – Nikon D500, f9, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The petals of Prickly Poppies, like other poppy species, remind me of crepe paper. The white color of the petals remind me of snow.

Fresh Prickly Poppy blossom, West Desert, Tooele County, UtahFresh Prickly Poppy blossom – Nikon D500, f9, 1/400, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I never get very close to Prickly Poppies because the leaves and stems are covered with spines. The one time I did get close to one I did get stabbed by them. These poppies are well named.

Desert blooming Prickly Poppy flower, West Desert, Tooele County, UtahDesert blooming Prickly Poppy flower – Nikon D500, f9, 1/640, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Prickly or not, I can’t resist aiming my camera at the lovely wildflowers wherever and whenever I find hem.

Flowering Flatbud Prickly Poppy, West Desert, Tooele County, UtahFlowering Flatbud Prickly Poppy – Nikon D500, f9, 1/640, ISO 500, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Early morning is my favorite time to photograph these wildflowers much like my other bird and wildlife subjects.

Prickly Poppy blossom, West Desert, Tooele County, UtahPrickly Poppy blossom – Nikon D500, f11, 1/500, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I have seen quite a few native bees, beetles, grasshoppers, and other insects on these poppies. Since I enjoy taking photos of insects, I am always delighted by what I find on these wildflowers.

Flatbud Prickly Poppy in soft morning light, West Desert, Tooele County, UtahFlatbud Prickly Poppy in soft morning light – Nikon D500, f10, 1/1000, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I always stop to photograph Prickly Poppies when they are in bloom. Someday, I hope to find a bird perched on or near one of these gorgeous wildflowers. Maybe this year, that will happen.

Life is good.

Mia

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