Cottonwood in Cottonwood (Infrared). I don’t know who gave the town of Cottonwood, Arizona, its name, but whoever it was, they clearly knew what they were talking about. The cottonwood (Populus deltoides) trees lining the Verde River there are massive, brawny, and very prolific, and they’re almost unanimously delighted to serve as the namesake for the city in which they live. This fine specimen was holding court in the river’s floodplain at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, and I think it was contemplating running for Mayor.

Image ©2021 James D. Peterson

Tech info: Nikon D3200 camera (modified for infrared with 590nm filter), Nikon 10-24mm lens at 10mm, 1/80 sec. at f16, ISO 100