I was walking along yesterday, high in the Sandias, when I came to a spot where I’d once seen a Milbert’s Tortoiseshell. I was just thinking that I’d love to see another when one landed on the wildflowers right in front of me! I think it’s a beautiful butterfly.
Osha with Ladybug
It’s really and truly summer in the Sandia mountains now, and osha is making a rather spectacular appearance this year. I love the way the color of the ladybug — almost in the center of the flower cluster — ties into the color of the paintbrush in the background (the yellow is mountain parsley). And of course all the green is lovely to see. It’s quite lush above 10,000 feet right now.
Ladder-Backed Woodpecker
I heard something tap-tap-tapping on a cholla early one morning. I waited until I could see what was making the sound, and was rewarded for my patience when this cute little guy flew out and onto another cholla. You can probably guess how he got his name.
Claret Cup Cactus Blossoms
The claret cup cactuses bloomed in profusion this spring. This particular plant was hidden under a low bush. I had never noticed it until one morning when I saw a flash of bright red — the sun was hitting the blossoms just right at that very moment. I got down on my hands and knees and managed to stick my lens through a small opening in the bush to nab a few shots.