Taos Mountain Cloud, Mourning Doves, Wild Iris Meadow, Venus Moon

Geraint June 16, 2021 7 Comments

Another fun week in the field and a couple of instances from the deck! During one of the last snowstorms not long ago in memory but ages ago for the much-needed moisture. We can watch the storms build up over Taos Mountain from the deck. The mourning doves have been enjoying life and seem to be inseparable, hanging out side by side in the old cottonwood tree, also visible from the deck. We made a trip to join our friends Chris and Carla at their ranch in Black Lake, New Mexico a few days ago. The meadows were carpeted with millions of wild iris. I’ve seen similar fields of iris in the Valle Vidal but nothing like this. And this was only a square mile of it. On June 11, the waxing crescent moon swung by the planet Venus. I have a favorite parking spot to watch this particular sight when it occurs. Summer Solstice is coming up on Sunday, June 20th. Where to go for a Solstice moment photo? We shall see!

Taos Mountain cloud — Taos Mountain storm cloud building up, San Cristobal, NM

Mourning Doves in the old cottonwood tree, San Cristobal.

Wild iris, Black Lake, NM, in Lonesome Dove country near where they filmed the TV movie.

Venus, Moon, sunset — Venus, Moon and sunset across the Taos Plateau.

Enjoy the summer where you are and as always, thanks for looking. G

Badger, Northern New Mexico

Geraint August 8, 2019 8 Comments

Badger, northern New Mexico. This badger is building a “set” in the middle of a meadow, strewn with wild flowers, in northern New Mexico. It has taste in locations, the setting was stunning. Pami spotted dirt flying in the air from a hole in the ground. We were going slow, as we drove along the rain muddied road, or we may have missed this outstanding creature. I made a number of images before it was done digging, before it disappeared down the hole. I’ve seen three of these animals over the years, one alive in England, one dead at the side of the road in England, and this magnificent specimen. This badger made our hearts beat faster today. Thanks for looking. G

Sunflowers Galore In The San Luis Valley

Geraint August 5, 2019 2 Comments

Sunflowers galore in the San Luis Valley. Made a quick trip to the valley today to shoot some drone footage with my friends. The Rio Grande was glistening in the late afternoon light from 400 feet. Down at ground level the sunflowers were glowing along the backroads. Thanks for looking. G

Locoweed Flower The Showy Kind

Geraint July 12, 2019 No Comments

Locoweed Flower, the showy kind (Oxytropis splendens) in the Valle Vidal, NM. Back in the high country with more wild flowers and water. Lots of it! Thanks for looking. G

“Perky Sue” East Rim, Rio Grande Gorge

Geraint June 9, 2019 No Comments

“Perky Sue” East Rim, Rio Grande Gorge at the Wild Rivers Recreation Area. Yes they are perky, indiscriminate and glowing in the morning light. It’s an appropriate name for these, “Perky Sue” in this particular arid climate. Not sure I’d be so perky. Thanks for looking. G

Yucca Plant, Monument Valley, Utah

Geraint May 8, 2019 4 Comments

Yucca plant, amidst a “forrest” of yuccas in Monument Valley, Utah. I’ve visited this most beautiful place a hundred times and it is always magical. I’m not an authority on the place but this is the first time I’ve seen so many yucca plants. Not only yuccas but so many other desert wildflowers are everywhere in this southwest super bloom year. Thanks for looking. G

Mexican Hat In The Garden

Geraint July 16, 2017 4 Comments

Mexican hat in the garden this morning. It’s that time of year when these wildflowers proliferate the roadsides, gardens, and meadows in the high country. I always look forward to their appearance here. It reminds me that summer is in full swing and the afternoon monsoons are constant now, bringing much needed rain after a month or two with minimum moisture. Hats off to this beautiful little wildflower. Thanks for looking. G

Wild Iris, Big Dog, Photo Bomb

Geraint June 23, 2017 6 Comments

Wild iris, big dog in a Taos Valley meadow. I had just set up amongst these wild iris, with a view of Taos mountain as a backdrop, when this hound moseyed in to the viewfinder. The pooch decided my camera was worthy enough for further inquiry. It was now for me to protect my lens from a big wet nose and a sloppy kiss. Yes, he had a penchant for the lens, methinks this be his modus operandi. I never did get the “shot” I had in mind at this location. This image, and only this image is what I got that day. Thanks for looking. G

A composition in the field

Geraint December 20, 2016 No Comments

Geraint Smith Photography

Tag: Wildflowers