They're B-a-a-a-c-k!

My first sighting this year of New Mexico's state butterfly, a Sandia Hairstreak (Callophrys mcfarlandi). Today I saw dozens of Painted Ladies (Vanessa cardui) in the Sandia foothills -- more than I've seen in one place for a few years.

Sandia Fence Posts

Weathered fence posts mark one of many gateways to the Sandia Mountains.

San Felipe Walkway

A covered walkway at the San Felipe de Neri Church, in Old Town Albuquerque.

La Luz Panorama

The rugged terrain of the Sandia Mountains, as seen from La Luz Trail, about 2 1/2 miles up.

St. Francis

St Francis, detail from a wooden gate in the north valley.

Yuccas at Sunset

Dried yucca stalks from last year are silhouetted by the setting sun.

Lady Liberty

Lady Liberty, spotted in front of a restaurant in downtown Albuquerque.

Mt. Taylor Sunset

Watching tonight's sunset, while looking west over Albuquerque towards Mt. Taylor.

Winter to Spring

A recent snow in the Sandia mountains, as seen from the foothills. I would say it's winter's last hurrah -- but I don't want to tempt the fates.

Tree at Sunset

A tree -- right on the cusp between winter and spring -- is silhouetted by the setting sun.

St. Francis in the Valley

A gate with a carved wood image of St. Francis in Albuquerque's North Valley.