Ouch

The image, plus the title says it all......

I am so thankful that Forsythe is open....  yes, a lot of people around but I am happy to see young families and kids enjoying the 'outside world'... yes, it might get in the way of birding, but ....creating future birders, more people interested in the environment should be a goal that all of us 'veteran birders' have.

But....I had an 'ouch' the other day. Prickly Cactus is Native to New Jersey and is found at Forsythe, just off the path behind the weather station near the Visitors Center. Lots of Prickly Cactus.

I bent over to take this image and after I did so, the phone dropped in the grass. Not on the cactus but, in the grass. I didn't think anything of it but just picked up my phone and also a very pointed needles with it. I am used to Prickly Cactus as I have some in my yard in Arizona but I usually am careful around it down there. For some odd-reason, subconsciously I must have had the impression that the Jersey variety wasn't as toxic as the SW variety. I can admit when I am wrong, I am not trump. 

The common name is "Devils Tongue'...fairly accurate. And the fruit/ flesh of this cactus is edible but you really have to be careful. Can you imagine getting one of those fine needles on your tongue?

When my daughters were young, I can remember we were in a restaurant in Portland, Oregon where they had  these cactus in tiny little planters spread around each table. My oldest was curious and wanted to see what they felt like so she touched it. I  think she learned a lesson.

Well, so have I....the Prickly Cactus here in Jersey are just as prickly as those in the SW. Trust me.....