Can you see what I saw about a bird and a cactus?

[Mira]

I was in the botanical Gardens in Phoenix (106 degrees) and saw a bird coming out of a huge cactus, and then I saw a string of "cactus phlegm" in its beak as it landed on a tree branch.
As I preview the second picture I can barely see the string of cactus stuff, but it still is there looking like wet transparent glue.

Sharing my discovery here - best I can

[elleng]

1. Its like Aloe stuff, right?

Keeps cactus innards moist?

Tried, but found no relation to Aloe.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_vera

[Mira]

2. Exactly, transparent gluey stuff. I posted it for the shock value of the bird

disappearing into the cactus. I had never even seen cacti outside of flower pots, and then to have that happen just floored me.
I could not believe I got a shot of it, either.

[Celebration]

3. Haha GREAT picture

Shows when we have cameras in your hands we are educating yourselves about the world, because we notice it!

I guess it is no surprise that birds like the taste and moisture of cactus, but it just wasn't in my consciousness.

By the way, you can buy pickled cactus in jars. Sometimes I use it on nachos instead of using jalapenos.

And, I have a jar of aloe juice in the fridge right now.

[Mira]

5. Just like you said: I'm learning these details now because I was looking at

the world with my eyes wide open in order to see and record some of it's beauty to try to take it home with me.
I might end up trying to eat cactus as a result.
Pretty cool.

[Maestro]

4. Very cool

It could digging out a cavity for a nest or actually getting some water from the cactus. I do see the goo in the second pic. Very nice behavioral image.