I know I’ve complained many times here about central New Mexico’s noticeable lack of color in the winter, so I won’t do it again — at least not right now, at least not much. In any case, that lack of color often pushes me to photograph lichens during the winter. I think they are so fascinating and love looking at them up close — something I can do so much better with the aid of a camera than solely with my eyes. I found these near La Luz yesterday (the underlying rock is granite).
Fading Sunflower
I’ve always loved sunflowers (I may have mentioned this before, possibly ad infinitum) but I’ve developed a bit of an obsession the last couple of years with those that are on their way out. They exude happiness (at least to my eyes), even as they fade.
Great Spangled Fritillary
I think this is a great spangled fritillary but can’t swear to it. It might be a northwestern fritillary. Speaking of which, I feel the need to remind you, dear reader, that my IDs are far from authoritative; I’m a photographer, not an entomologist.
Two-Tailed Swallowtail
Probably the most perfect two-tailed swallowtail I’ve ever seen in my life, hanging out on yellow sweet clover in Cienega Canyon (Sandia Mountains).
Queen Butterfly on Spike Verbena
A butterfly I’ve never seen before — a queen — atop one of my all-time favorite wildflowers, spike verbena.