If you are a birder in New Mexico, or even a birder visiting New Mexico, you have probably heard of Water Canyon in the Magdalena Mountains above Socorro. Water Canyon has the look and feel of the mountain island canyons of south west New Mexico and south east Arizona, and indeed, it is the northern outpost for many bird species typical of the more southern canyons. November is not the time to visit, but then, November is when I am there every year. This year I had company. My daughter Kelia and my wife Carol met me in Albuquerque and I took a couple of vacation days before the Festival of the Cranes. Kelia and I visited Water Canyon early in the week, and she and Carol went back for a hike there on Sunday. And it really does look like the south east Arizona. You could be in the Chiricahuas instead of the Magdalenas, and I am sure that in spring and early summer the birds must be rewarding. In November it is all about the scenery.

This view, taken near where the canyon proper spills out onto the upland plain catches a bit of the atmosphere (and I like the windmill).

Then we have a view looking up canyon form the rise just before the parking area for the campground and trails.

And cottonwoods adding some fall color.

And finally Buck Peak which dominated the view along the upper reaches of the canyon.

Canon SX40HS, program mode with iContrast and –1/3EV exposure compensation.

Processed in Lightroom for Intensity and Sharpness.