High Plains of New Mexico. The High Plains are a subregion of the Great Plains mostly in the Western United States. From east to west, the High Plains rise in elevation from around 1,800 feet (550 m) to over 7,000 feet (2,100 m). Due to low moisture and high elevation, the High Plains commonly experiences wide ranges and extremes in temperature. This area is also home to the fastest land mammal in North America, the Pronghorn.
A Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) stands at the edge of the Lake Woodlands spillway which flows into Panther Branch below. The genus name 'Actitis' is from Ancient Greek aktites, "coast-dweller". This bird species is common to the U.S. Gulf Coast and can be found not only along coastal shores, but several miles inland. They are commonly seen scurrying about picking up small insects and other bits of food along the shallow waters edge.
A Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea) sits on a glass window late at night. Measuring only a couple of inches long, these frog make up for their small size with their loud overnight calls.
