Abo Ruins, New Mexico

When in New Mexico, we took the time to drive out to the site of these ruins.  Abo ruins are part of the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, located about 9 miles west of Mountainair, New Mexico.

Once, thriving American Indian trade communicies of Tiwa and Tompiro speaking Puebloans inhabited this remote area of central New Mexico.     

In the early 17th century, Spanish Franciscans visited the area and found it ripe for their missionary efforts.

What remains today are the austere yet beautiful reminders of early contact between Pueblo Indians and Spanish Colonials.

Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico

Another great trip out to Bosque over Thanksgiving this year. 

Bosque del Apache is a wildlife refuge located just outside of Socorro, New Mexico.  I went last year and loved it, had to go again this year.

We'd start at the flight deck in the morning - hoping to be part of the morning fly-out.  Then we'd move on to the crane pond and watch the Sandhill Cranes.  It really is a haven for photographers.

I was fortunate enough to see a coyote this time.  This shot really made my day.

Even the landscape at Bosque is beautiful. 

I love the Red Winged Blackbirds!  They are so beautiful, and I love to see the flash of red when they tip their wings.  It was a great trip.  It is a truly amazing natural experience.

From the Flight Deck, Bosque del Apache, NM

This is the flight deck at Bosque del Apache Wildlife Reserve in Socorro, New Mexico. Morning flyouts are an amazing experience.  Truly a performance of nature that leaves a lasting impression.

Kite Flying

This is my dad, flying his kite on a sunny afternoon.  They came to visit in November so we went over to Tradewinds Park and got a little exercise. 

Will You Marry Me?

I was at Blowing Rocks one afternoon, and happened to see this guy get down on one knee.  Yes, he was proposing, and I captured the whole thing. 

She said yes!  Really amazing timing, I love these photos.  I was happy to give them these pictures of their special moment.

Future Yankees

I happened to catch these little 7 year old superstars one morning at the park.  I thought they were adorable, so I had to watch them for a while.  Love the toothless grins in the photo above.  But they look so happy!

The expressions on their faces were priceless.

They tried so hard, but there were a few misses.  Future MVPs for sure, but I thought they were adorable today.

Boardwalk Reflections

I love the way the setting sun lights up the boardwalk at Green Cay Wetlands.

 "For a photographer this is a magic moment... about 45 minutes before sunrise, light is already starting to push back the dark.  I open my camera and let nature paint me a picture."  Steve Coleman

This one is actually Wakodahatchee Wetlands (above).  I don't go there quite as often, but it has the same kind of boardwalk. 

Any time of day is a great day at Green Cay.  This boardwalk is old, dirty and weathered, but the golden light of the sun really lights it up and makes it look beautiful.