Geraint Smith Photography

Fine Art Images from the American Southwest

 505-501-4880

Facebook-f Instagram

Tag: Osprey

Osprey, Fort Union, Bison Petroglyphs, Lightning, Road Tripping

Geraint August 4, 2021 12 Comments

I went to visit the Osprey a couple of times on tours over the last few weeks. This is the mom and three chicks. They are growing healthy and wise. Dad was off in the top of an old cottonwood tree, striking a stately pose and keeping a watchful eye on things. The second image below is a close-up.

Female Osprey and three chicks
Female Osprey (left) and three chicks on a nesting platform, Chama, NM
Osprey and three chicks
Female Osprey with three healthy chicks on a nesting platform, Chama, NM

A photo tour last week took us to Las Vegas, Fort Union National Monument, and Wagon Mound, all stops on the Santa Fe Trail. I’ve been to the fort many times. This time, my client Michael, and I had the place to ourselves. There were some park service employees rebuilding and fortifying the walls. They don’t count. And no rattlesnakes this time either!

Fort Union National Monument, NM
The Mechanics Corral at Fort Union National Monument

I pulled this image of the American Bison a while back. I thought it would make a nice effect to overlay it on a petroglyph panel. The petroglyphs are in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. The animals depicted are deer and bighorn sheep.

Bison and Petroglyphs
American Bison overlaid on a petroglyph panel.

We’ve had some fabulous storms during this summer’s monsoon season, and along with it, some incredible lightning shows. Here’s one from the deck a short while ago. I don’t have to go far for a view and dramatic weather. Some of the strikes got so close my hair stood on end. My wife, Pami said I started to glow.

Lightning strikes San Cristobal
Lightning strikes on the ridge, San Cristobal, NM

Join me on a photo tour/workshop and I’ll show you some of my favorite places we visit.

4 Runner, Arroyo Blanco
Parked, while we photograph in Arroyo Blanco, Abiquiu, New Mexico.

As always, thank you for looking. G

Osprey, First Flight, Chama, New Mexico

Geraint July 29, 2020 6 Comments

Osprey, first flight, along the highway power line nesting platform, Chama, New Mexico. A quick drive around the block today. It was very peaceful and delightful, watching these chicks and mom on the nest. Dad is gone, maybe fishing. We spent about an hour observing their behavior. Thanks for looking in. G

Osprey, first flight, Chama, New Mexico.
Who’s going first?

 

Osprey, first flight, Chama, New Mexico.
I’ll give it a shot!

 

Osprey, first flight, Chama, New Mexico.
Look Mama, I’m going for it.

 

Osprey, first flight, Chama, New Mexico.
Go, go, go!

 

Osprey, first flight, Chama, New Mexico.
Whoa!

 

Osprey, first flight, Chama, New Mexico.
About 30 minutes later, mom has left and is calling from a nearby tree. Sister is saying, “wow bro, look at you, that’s awesome.”

 

Osprey, Fish, Heron Lake, New Mexico

Geraint April 22, 2020 No Comments

Osprey, with a fish at Heron Lake, in northern New Mexico. She looks perturbed, as if I’m going to fight her for it. Not me, but there were a number of greedy, lazy, opportunistic Bald Eagles waiting in the wings. Good girl, stay alert. Thanks for looking. G

Osprey, Fish, Heron Lake, New Mexico

Osprey Chama Valley, New Mexico

Geraint July 29, 2019 4 Comments

Osprey brood Chama Valley, northern New Mexico. We made a trip to check on the Osprey family on the road to Chama, N.M.  This is mom endeavoring to get the kids out of the house. Dad was a hundred yards away sans fish. Mom flew down to a fresh mown hay filed and returned clutching the hay in her talons. I can hear the conversation now. “You aren’t getting anymore fish unless you get it for yourselves, so this hay is all you’re getting if you stay here.” Seriously, it was brilliant to watch as the young ones could see no response from dad and they also had a clear view of moms trips to and from to the hay field. Thanks for looking. G

Osprey Chama Valley New Mexico

Osprey family in the Chama Valley

Osprey family in the Chama Valley New Mexico

Osprey family in the Chama Valley

Osprey, Rio Costilla Park, NM

Geraint October 8, 2018 4 Comments

Osprey, Rio Costilla Park, northern NM. I’ve seen this bird here a couple of times over the last few weeks. Today it played tag with us on the Rio Costilla. At one point we lost sight of it. As we drove west, scrutinizing the cliffs, the high sun suddenly cast this raptors shadow onto the sun roof, across the hood and down the road ahead of us. The game was back on. When we caught sight of it again it had alighted on a snag, just off camera in this shot. Soon thereafter, something other than us grabbed it’s attention, which was when I made this image. Thank you so much for your attention. G

Osprey, Rio Costilla Park, NM