Towards the end of our trip, and just miles from the Albuquerque “Sunport” we ended our days atop Sandia Crest in Cibola National Forest. At 10,000+ ft, with cold temeratures, and winds whipping after a snow storm had moved out, it was a real test of clothing. Of course, the visitor’s center with it’s balmy 85F interior made it pretty easy. Our goal on the crest was simple - to photograph various high elevation birds, namely three different species of Rosy-finches coming to a feeder on the top.

In this image, my favorite of the three is shown, the Black Rosy-Finch. The backgrounds and light were difficult to work with, but I managed to come away with a few that I am happy with.

Black Rosy-Finch Perched on a Snowy Evergreen, Sandia Crest, New Mexico, United States.

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