White Sands, NM

With our birding trip coming to an end we decided to spend the last day in New Mexico seeing some of the sights. We took a side trip to White Sands, NM, the largest gypsum sand dunes in the world. They encompass 275 square miles of land and if you're ever in the area I suggest a stop. By the way the only birds we saw here were a few House Finches. What they were doing in the dunes is anyone's guess.

Where the road meets the desert, the sand, and the mountains.

Yucca plants dotted the landscape.

The dunes are created by a playa or ephemeral lake that is high in mineral content.

We especially had fun off the trails where few footprints were found. Andy even demonstrates how tough the hiking can be if you don't plan your route.

The sand was so cool to the touch and the sun unreleting. It was a perfect time of year to visit. I can't even begin to imagine what the dunes are like in summer. One thing is sure, you won't find me there that time of year.