It is hard to describe, exactly, how this scene affected me as I made this photograph. I was in the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge near Socorro, New Mexico, one of my very favorite places to photograph. I find the entire refuge to have a large and diverse range of wildlife in it, and as you are there you never know quite what you will see.

This day, however, the refuge was fairly quiet. The inhabitants who were there preferred to stay hidden, which was a pity. It was early fall, too early yet for the majority of migratory birds to arrive, so seeing any bird this trip was something of a rarity. Still, there was plenty to see and I enjoyed myself thoroughly.

My trip that day was done, and I decided to sit by the shore of a pond and enjoy the last of the day, for it would be dusk soon. As I sat, I simply relaxed, enjoying the sun, enjoying the day, and mostly, enjoying the few canada geese who were at the far side of pond. It was a time of peace, solitude and reflection; the rest of the day began slipping away even quicker than before. When I look at this photograph I am reminded of that time; of that peace and quietude, that perfect afternoon in the bosque. I hope that you feel much the same, and may the peace of the bosque be with you.

Stormy Mission

Pecos National Historic Park in New Mexico is a place where cultures collided and time tried to stand still. Neither of these worked out too well.

Pecos “began” somewhere around 800 A.D. when the first settlers in the Rio Grande Valley area moved into this wonderful and almost perfect environment. By 1200 A.D. the first pueblo had been built and by 1300 A.D. the area was in full swing. It featured a fairly significant multi-level pueblo, with upwards of 700 rooms and the Tiwa Indians called it home. Situated in between the Rio Grande Valley and the plains, Pecos had an ideal location.

Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, when he rolled through the area in the early 1500s, thought so too, although the Europeans stayed away until 1590. By 1618 a mission had been built at Pecos and the cultures meshed and collided over the years.

Today the remains of a Great Kiva and the mission stand side by side. The stormy skies remind us that the past here was not always tranquil. Yet, today Pecos endures, despite the storms, just as it always has. May we always remember, respect and celebrate our past.

Hidden Deer

The wind barely has enough life in it to gently rustle the brush, but that’s OK. It has been a long day, and the afternoon grows late, meaning it is almost time for the wind to be done for the day. It is still wintertime, too, and although the sun is providing a most wonderful afternoon, the night will be cold, and one is best bundled up. That, of course, includes the wind. With a last half-hearted gesture, the wind puffed once, and then packed it in for the evening.

The sun wasn’t ready to give up the day just yet, though, and continued its slow journey to the horizon, bringing the most wonderful hues of gold everywhere.

The sun wasn’t the only one out enjoying the afternoon, either. This hidden deer was quite at peace in the golden field; she was still as all can be, not moving an inch, but yet… there was this complete sense of serenity. She was well hidden, and knew it, and was safe, comfortable and very much enjoying the last of the day.

With a gentle click the camera’s shutter closed, and the hidden deer was left to enjoy the rest of her golden afternoon.

Ancient Alto

Frío Bonito

The fresh snow accentuates the sheer coldness and isolation of the long abandoned Pueblo, and the canyon is empty as far as the eye can see. The silence is absolute, save for the rustle of the wind and the howl of a single lone coyote off in the distance. Yet, despite the coldness and the emptiness, despite the ravages of time, and despite being in solitude for 1,000 years, Pueblo Bonito is still alive. Very much so.

One can hear the ancient echos amongst its walls and rooms. One can hear the excited voices as old friends are reunited and share a tale. One can hear the laughter of the children as they run, as children always do. One can feel the warmth of the fires, offering heat and companionship. One can hear the ceremony just beginning there in the kiva. You can feel deep, deep inside your soul the power and the energy of this Great House. For despite it being left empty, it really isn’t and it never will be.

Its walls may not all be standing. Not every block is in place. The once immaculate veneer has long been gone and the inner masonry laid bare to time. But Pueblo Bonito, a Great House in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, still commands the valley in which it sits. It is still the center of the Chacoan World and it is still a magnificent place.

Its people may have long left, but it is far from forgotten. And it remains alive. Very much so.