A couple of weeks ago it was spring, but Mother Nature’s apparently had a major change of heart. The Sandias, which have had their best snow pack in years, got yet more fresh snow just a couple of days ago.
Sandias
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.
Reakirt’s Blue (Butterfly)
It was an exceptionally long fall in the Sandia foothills this year. The chamisa bloomed well into November and butterflies were significantly more abundant than usual. My favorite was this beautiful male Reakirt’s Blue, which showed up just a few weeks ago.
Del Agua Overlook, 2022 Edition
Fall in the Sandias started right on schedule. This was the scene at Del Agua Overlook last Saturday.
Late Summer Wildflowers, 2022 Edition
The Sandias were covered with colorful wildflowers for about three or four weeks at the very end of the summer. This hillside had one of the prettiest displays.