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

Pronghorn “Where The Rockies Meet The Plains”

Geraint August 2, 2019 2 Comments

Pronghorn, Ocate, New Mexico, “Where The Rockies Meet The Plains”. Working through some images from yesterday I thought this was a real sweet picture with soft diffuse lighting adding to the gentle look of this Pronghorn. Can’t say I’d like to stand in it’s way when it decides to bolt! It is the fastest land animal in North America, with sustained speeds of 45 mph and top speed just over 60 mph. I know a couple of photographers who can attest to this fact, Paul Malinowski and Linda Duffy. Remember the lone Pronghorn racing the car? Thanks for looking. G

Marmot Southern Colorado

Geraint July 26, 2019 No Comments

Marmot on a roadside perch in southern Colorado. This marmot was lazing on a rock, minding it’s own business. It didn’t seem to mind me making portraits of it. Given where we found it, on a pile of lava rocks at the side of the highway turnout, people would be quite familiar to it. Thanks for looking. G

Elk Cows, In The High Country

Geraint June 3, 2019 No Comments

Elk Cows, in the high country of New Mexico. In the Valle Vidal (Valley of Lifeagain today. We spent the afternoon and evening photographing the high alpine light. Because we stayed out past dinner time, we were fortunate to see so many elk. One bull with two cows emerged from the trees and crossed the road. They stared at us momentarily, then took off into a hillside of pines. Not long after, as twilight descended over the valley, we spotted a dozen cow elks, a number of them pregnant, grazing on the fresh shoots of grass along the creek. These three ladies came down the hillside, herded the others and ushered them into the trees. It was a beautiful drive home. Thanks for looking. G

Rattlesnake At Fort Union, NM

Geraint May 1, 2019 2 Comments

Rattlesnake on the trail/walkway at Fort Union, NM. The ranger said they hadn’t seen one in a long while, physically on the trail. I have a lot of respect for these creatures. It didn’t warn us with a rattle, the air temps were still cool. Rattlesnakes become lethargic when it is cold, so they exhibit a near narcoleptic state, but it seems they still exude energy because I certainly picked up on it! For that I am grateful. The ranger warned other visitors, some with young children, that the snake had been spotted and to be aware. Note the way the snake blends beautifully with its environment. Thanks for looking. G

Wild Horses, Colorado

Geraint April 11, 2019 2 Comments

Wild horses, Colorado. This pair hung close together and made for a nice pensive portrait. They were part of a larger tribe of about two dozen wild horses on the roadside in southern Colorado. Thanks for looking. G

Coyote Watches, Rio Pueblo, Orilla Verde, NM

Geraint March 29, 2019 8 Comments

Coyote Watches, at the Rio Pueblo, in the Orilla Verde RA, NM. Today we were down on the banks of the Rio Pueblo, amongst the red willows, photographing fast flowing water. I was very surprised to look up at one point and discover we were being watched by this gorgeous coyote. It stayed where it was, not moving, during the photo session only varying its gaze to the left and right. We surmised that it had a den very near, possibly with young pups. It kept watching until we left. We felt very privileged to be party to this moment in nature, watching… as coyote watches us . Thanks for looking. G

Mountain Bluebird Of Happiness

Geraint January 18, 2019 4 Comments

Mountain Bluebird of happiness in the snow covered Ranchos de Taos valley today. This gorgeous, happy little creature was hopping along the fence and tree line paralleling the road we were on. We slowed down and came to a stop where this bird playfully dropped to the verge for a snack, then back up to the fence for a few photos, repeating this playful behavior a few times, with more photos at each break. Today, I believe, we watched happiness in action. Thanks for looking. G

Commotion Taken In The Snow

Geraint January 8, 2019 No Comments

Commotion, taken in the snow. I think the hawk got the rabbit. Though, on second thought… it could have been an owl last night. I’m deducing that the rabbit was gleaning fallen bird seed close to this location and the owl got it. Looks like it made a couple of attempts. This latter scenario would explain why I didn’t see the actually commotion this morning. Thanks for looking. G

Coyote Winter Morning

Geraint January 6, 2019 2 Comments

Coyote winter morning in the fields, Taos NM. I was rooting through the archives today for another image and found this fellow staring back at me. There’s a hint of the last kill under it’s jaw. The eyes are always what grab me. Coyotes either stand and stare or take a rapid flight in the other direction. Can’t say I blame them taking off. Maybe a camera and a gun mean the same thing to them, shooting! Thanks for taking the time to stare back. G

Geraint Smith Photography

Tag: Wildlife