A Southwestern orangetip nectaring on rockcress. I have always called these butterflies Sara orangetips but nowadays they’re known as Southwestern orangetips. They’re very small butterflies — and the rockcress flowers are even smaller.
Sandia Hairstreak, 2022 Edition
Despite a rather dry winter and a fairly chilly spring, New Mexico’s state butterfly — the Sandia hairstreak (Callophrys mcfarlandi) — has been quite visible in the Sandia foothills during recent weeks. This one is browsing on some three-leaf sumac flower buds which are just starting to open.
Porcupine in the Bosque
Porcupines may be in Albuquerque’s bosque all the time, but I notice them only in the winter. That’s because they’re almost always high up in a tree and, except in winter, the leaves provide great camouflage for them. It’s true that porcupines look a bit prickly but I think they’re extremely cute nonetheless.
Wood Duck at Tingley Beach
Wood ducks are my favorites, especially at this time of the year, when color in the middle Rio Grande Valley is noticeably lacking.
Sandhill Crane Landing
I’ve been studying crane landings this winter. They are all virtually perfect — and beautiful, too. I love the huge wingspread and colors in this photo.