Daily Postcard: A pygmy nuthatch clings to the trunk of a ponderosa pine tree Wednesday at Valles Caldera National Preserve. Spanning over 89,000 acres, the Valles Caldera encompasses diverse habitats, including montane meadows, dense forests and volcanic formations. These varied landscapes contribute to habitat complexity, promoting species coexistence and biodiversity. Meadows support grazers like elk, while forested areas provide cover and foraging opportunities for species like black bears. Bird biodiversity is another notable feature at Valles Caldera, with more than 90 documented bird species including raptors, various songbirds and even the endangered Mexican spotted owl, which relies on old-growth forest habitat. Valles Caldera National Preserve’s central location within the Jemez Mountains provides landscape connectivity among a mosaic of protected lands like Bandelier National Monument and the Santa Fe National Forest. This ensures that wildlife corridors and habitat are preserved across manmade boundary lines for holistic ecosystem protection and function. Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/vall/learn/nature/animals.htm. Courtesy/NPS