West coast ladies look much like painted ladies but, while the former are ubiquitous throughout much of New Mexico, the latter are more rarely seen. You can learn more about the various butterfly “ladies” here.
Critters
Mormon Metalmark
I saw numerous Mormon metalmarks on La Luz (in the Sandias) earlier today. These gorgeous little butterflies were focusing much of their attention on these small asters.
Sandia Hairstreak, 2023 Edition
One of the year’s first Sandia hairstreak butterflies rests on a blade of beargrass. Sandia hairstreaks are New Mexico’s state butterfly.
Bernardo Pond at Sunset
The sunset silhouettes cranes and geese as they fly into a pond in Bernardo at sunset.