April 2018 - Susan Brandt Graham Photography

April 29, 2018

Curve-Billed Thrasher and Beautiful Song

The curve-billed thrasher is not the most elegant or colorful or powerful bird that visits my yard. At times it looks rather clumsy compared to some of the other birds, almost clown-like. But its song is like no other.

This audio also contains in the background the call of the white-winged dove (“who cooks for you? who cooks for you?”).

These are the sounds of life in the high southwest desert. I hope you enjoy this little snippet.

And, finally, yes, that really was the color of the sky this morning. 🙂

April 21, 2018

Days of Wind and Roses

Days of Wind and Roses

Days of wind and roses certainly characterize Albuquerque in Spring. That seems to have been especially true for the wind this year. The wind has blown ferociously! Yesterday morning I was surprised to see not that a few roses were blooming, but that the blooms appeared fresh.

This little beauty is the miniature rose, “Ruby Baby,” a sport of the classic miniature, “Hot Tamale.” My “Hot Tamale” died some years ago, but “Ruby Baby” has hung on surprisingly well.

Wishing everyone a “grounded” weekend.

April 1, 2018April 1, 2018

Spring Has Sprung

Spring Has Sprung: Easter and April Fool’s Day in Albuquerque, 2018

Spring has sprung in Albuquerque! Although the sky was overcast most of the day, the temperature was pleasant and no wind was blowing.

The dwarf peach ‘Bonanza’ had begun to bloom when we got a hard freeze. I was afraid no peaches would form this year. And, for a variety of reasons, I had not photographed the tree at the height of its bloom. But, one bloom was left today. An extra bonus was that I could see one or two peaches were just beginning to develop!

spring peach bloom — Bloom of Dwarf Peach ‘Bonanza’

spring developing peach — Tiny Developing Peach

Although the flowering Bradford pear trees around town have bloomed out, the pear trees in my yard have just begun to bloom. Some of you may remember that I have a pollinator pear that produces fruit the birds love. The smaller tree produces pears that people love.