Wildflowers in the Sandia Foothills

The foothills are alive — with so many things, including no-see-ums and rattlesnakes — but also with wildflowers.

Claret Cup Cactus Blossoms

Claret cup cactus, nestled against a lichen-covered rock, in the foothills of the Sandias.

East Fork of the Jemez River

With its volcanic rocks, babbling stream, and wealth of wildflowers, the East Fork of the Jemez is one of New Mexico’s best-kept secrets.

Hummingbird Moth

Not much smaller than a hummingbird, and just as fast; as far as I can tell, they never rest, not even for a moment.

Indian Paintbrush

I’ve seen it throughout the West, all the way up into the Canadian Rockies, and it has many different personalities. This one was at about 9,000 feet, in the Sandias.