Buds were just starting to grow along the edge of this Prickly Pear's pad. Soon, brilliant colored flowers (probably yellow) will blossom, attracting bees, hummingbirds, and other nectar loving creatures. Notice the vicious needles waiting for a careless passer-by. I think of the Prickly Pear as nature's way of keeping us on the man-made trails found around Tortilla campground. There are are stores in Arizona that sell a variety of Prickly Pear products from its pads to syrup and wine.