Farm and Ranch Museum photo exhibit captures hummingbirds

PHOTOS: The delicate beauty of hummingbirds, their incredible movement and the critical work they do as pollinators are captured in a new photography exhibit at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road. “Grace in Motion,” featuring photography by Nirmal Khandan, has an opening reception 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 15, in the museum’s arts corridor. Admission to the reception is free. The exhibit features 36 portraits of hummingbird species common to the region interacting with local flora. “I hope viewers will appreciate the up-close view of nature’s mutualism as the hummingbirds take just what they need from the flowers without harming them in any way, while helping them with pollination,” Khandan said. A civil engineering professor and Ed and Harold Foreman Endowed Chair at New Mexico State University, Khandan began photographing birds in his native Sri Lanka and continued his hobby after moving to Las Cruces in 1998.

The delicate beauty of hummingbirds, their incredible movement and the critical work they do as pollinators are captured in a new photography exhibit at New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum (NMFRHM), 4100 Dripping Springs Road.

“Grace in Motion,” features photography by Nirmal Khandan, has an opening reception 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 15, in the museum’s arts corridor, NMFRHM said in a news release.

Admission to the reception is free. Regular museum admission is required to see the rest of the museum.

“As a nature/wildlife photographer, I have been sharing with my family, friends and social media the joy and pleasure of creating photographs of hummingbirds,” Khandan said. “Through this print exhibit, I hope to share my photography with wider audiences fascinated by hummingbirds and their aerial acrobatics.”

The exhibit features 36 portraits of hummingbird species common to the region interacting with local flora, the museum said. The photographs, mounted on acrylic, metal or canvas, are for sale and Khandan said the names of those who purchase prints at the reception will be put into a drawing to receive $25 off their purchase. He will draw two names.

“I hope viewers will appreciate the up-close view of nature’s mutualism as the hummingbirds take just what they need from the flowers without harming them in any way, while helping them with pollination,” Khandan said.

A civil engineering professor and Ed and Harold Foreman Endowed Chair at New Mexico State University, Khandan began photographing birds in his native Sri Lanka and continued his hobby after moving to Las Cruces in 1998.