Daily Postcard: Storm Peak Atmospheric Observatory at the top of Mount Werner in Steamboat Springs records weather information around the clock. So it was certain the temperature was -19F with a wind chill of -33F when Los Alamos wildlife photographer Jonathan Dowell, Ph.D took photos of Pine Grosbeaks on the ridge at 10,400 ft next to that summit last week. Pine Grosbeaks are large Finches found along the Rocky Mountains, into Alaska, and across Canada to Nova Scotia. New Mexico is near the southernmost end of their range. Cornell University’s worldwide database has records of them in Los Alamos County roughly once every 5 years over the past couple of decades. As their name might suggest, look for them in mountainous pine forests where they feed on pine cones and other seeds and berries. These photos show the birds’ vibrant colors, bright red for the male and golden yellow for the female. Although not always in dangerous sub-zero temperatures, wildlife photography often involves adventure travel. Photo by Jonathan Dowell, Ph.D. See more of Dr. Dowell’s photography on Instagram @SnowyEgretPhotography.

A female Pine Grosbeak spotted last week atop Steamboat Ski Resort. Photo by Jonathan Dowell, Ph.D