Orange Butterfly

A variegated fritillary butterfly (Euptoieta claudia) perches on a cosmos blossom.

Northern Pygmy Owl

I got lucky last week and saw this pygmy owl at Bandelier -- thanks to Sally the ranger, who was standing there taking pictures of it (I would never have seen it otherwise).

Western Pine Elfin

A western pine elfin butterfly (Callophrys eryphon) drinking from a minuscule flower. This is a tiny butterfly, about the size of a Sandia hairstreak (thanks to Steve Cary of New Mexico State Parks for the ID).

Pipevine Swallowtail

A pipevine swallowtail butterfly at the PNM Butterfly Pavilion, which opened Friday. This photo shows the underside of its wings; click here to see what the top side looks like.

Western Tiger Swallowtail

I've been trying to get a shot of one of these butterflies for four years! They fly too high and fast for me to get a good focus on them. Finally, I found this one last weekend in the Jemez. (Click here for more photos of native New Mexican butterflies.)

Bandelier Ruins

Late afternoon light illuminates Tyuonyi Ruins, at Bandelier National Monument.