It’s been years since I’ve spotted a scaled quail, and I’ve never seen one perched on cholla before. As usual, I heard him before I saw him. And then, amazingly, I was able to sneak around to his light side and get a few shots before he was on high alert. The critters in the Sandia foothills seem to be loving the COVID-19 lockdown.
Sara Orange-Tip Butterflies
Two Sara orange-tips — one male (the blurry one) and the other female. I watched them for quite a while and wondered if it was part of a mating ritual. These butterflies have been some of the most difficult for me to photograph so I was happy to get this shot.
Sandia Hairstreak, 2020 Edition
After two years of a very sparse showing in the month of March (so sparse last year I thought I was watching an extinction!), Sandia hairstreaks are out in force this spring. I might add they seem to be making up for lost time — I’ve seen more duos chasing each other this year than ever before. I am so happy to see the little guys! And I’m happy to see spring arriving as well.
Bosque Pond at Golden Hour
There are still a few mallards, coots, and Canada geese left in this Rio Grande Bosque pond. This is a very classic central New Mexican winter scene — i.e., with muted colors despite the golden light — which makes me long for spring.