Bummer. I didn't realize it had to be created for this project.

Well, these two photos which I took in 2007 are kind of Earth-related. They were previously posted here at LoT last year, but appropriate to the theme of being in awe by Earth's natural beauty.

This is one of the panoramic views from the Acoma Pueblo "Sky City" near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Indians have been living atop this 367-foot-high sandstone mesa (where I'm standing to take this photo) since the early ninth century, A.D. Built here for its strategic position, Acoma Pueblo may be the oldest continuously-inhabited village in the United States.


An ominous view at sunset of Catalina Island, located 22 miles off the coast of Long Beach in Southern California.

Well, I don't know that it really qualifies as "art" or even earth related. But over the recent months I have really found myself focused on suburban wildlife, and watching its change through spring into summer. And also watching as our local development (and sudden stall in development) are impacting it. The intersection of people and animals that semi-thrive among us is an area of "wildlife photography" that appeals to me.

So here's one of the photos that has resulted. A burrowing owl who lives within feet of a major road that I walk along in the morning on the way to the BART station (many of you will already have seen these and others on my LJ):

(click to see a larger version)

I also like this ground squirrel that lives in a burrow just a few feet away from the owl. I had to frame it with the squirell about 15% to the right of where I'd prefer but that was out of my control because of a post that would enter the frame inelegantly):


(click for larger version)

Great shots, Alex, especially since animals are difficult to photograph. I really like your theme of suburban wildlife, too, as a sign of modern times.

WHAT??

Those are GREAT, Alex.

Thanks.