Evening Grosbeak, Crabapple Tree, San Cristobal, NM
Evening Grosbeak, in one of our crabapple trees, San Cristobal, NM. Besides colorful hillsides and mountains, fall brings an abundance of food and birds to eat it. This week the Evening Grosbeaks arrived in flocks to indulge themselves of the crabapples. Great individual shots picked out of the thirty or so birds camoflaged by the branches and leaves. Thanks for looking. G
Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly. Here in the garden this butterfly, with a five inch wingspan, visits each day, frequenting the same plants in the same order. Nature’s fascinating, endless beauty, three yards from my front door. I hope you find some beauty around you. Thanks for looking. G
Poppy, In The Garden, San Cristobal
Poppy, in the garden, San Cristobal, and although they don’t last long, this is one of four and being the approximate size of a dinner plate, put on a marvelous display. With the winds we’ve had today the ground should be well and truly seeded. Thanks for looking. G
Apple Tree, Crescent Moon, Venus
Apple Tree, Crescent Moon, Venus. I was going to make a short drive out to somewhere this evening for a more majestic view incorporating a landscape. As I walked out to the car this delicate scene presented itself in the twilight. Venus and the moon through the branches of the apple tree in the garden. If it’s clear tomorrow evening there will probably be another image of this wonderful conjunction. Thanks for looking. G
Dark-Eyed Juncos, Garden, Snow
Dark-Eyed Juncos, in the garden and the snow today. I had fun hanging out with about five dozen of these little ones storming the bird feeders today. They were unafraid of the guy with the camera in polar gear, and as long as I stood still they stayed around, happily devouring a few pounds of seed. Over the last six days they’ve gone through 30 pounds of seed. And me? After I darned near froze my fingers off and the battery in the camera died in the 20º temps, it was time for a cup of tea! Thanks for looking. G
Townsend’s Solitaire, Winter Ash Tree
Townsend’s Solitaire in the winter ash tree in the garden, San Cristobal NM. I spent some time outside on the deck this afternoon. The feeders were overrun with Dark-eyed Juncos, a few Sparrows, half a dozen American Crows, Mourning Doves and a Lewis’ Woodpecker. The woodpecker returned after a month absence to retrieve the seeds it had stashed in the cottonwood tree. This Townsend’s Solitaire, normally sits in the tops of the trees and sings it’s song. Today it sat on the lower branches for a few snaps. It then returned to the top of a juniper tree. I’ve never seen it feeding at one of the feeders. Thanks for looking. G
Cross Squirrel, San Cristobal, NM
Cross Squirrel, San Cristobal, NM. We have a cast, celtic cross in the garden and a squirrel with a penchant for high places. If he behaves he can use the high perch as often and as long as he likes. But if he keeps eating half the garden … well then … I’ll let the dogs out. Thanks for looking. G
Canyon Towhee, In The Garden San Cristobal
Canyon Towhee, in the garden, San Cristobal, NM. This Canyon Towhee shows up in the garden every spring. I don’t know where it goes to in the winter but just like clockwork it returns in late spring each year. It is the only one of the species I see here. On another note, there is a Townsend Solitaire who just returned to the garden this fall and calls out early every morning. We greet each other daily and it’s become a tradition. Thanks for looking. G
White-Breasted Nuthatch
White-Breasted Nuthatch on the Ash tree in San Cristobal, New Mexico. This is a predominant attitude and posture for this little fellow. Scarpering frenetically up and down and around the tree trunks is another. Fun to watch for sure. Having a fast trigger finger definitely helps. You can read more on the White-Breasted Nuthatch here. Thanks for looking. G
Garden Buddha, Warm Winter Blanket
Garden Buddha, warm winter blanket, San Cristobal NM. In today’s slightly higher temperatures the statue has a fully formed apron of slumped snow. Tomorrow the Buddha will have stocking feet! Thanks for looking and stay warm where you are. G
Morning Aspens In The Garden
Morning aspens in the garden San Cristobal, New Mexico. Look out any window and the fall colors greet the eyes, morning, noon and evening. Thanks for looking. G
