20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Joshua Tree Rainbow

I was eating my breakfast after an early morning of photography. I decided to have it in the hatchback of my car so I could look at the desert as I was eating. Before I had more than two bites, a little squall came through and made this rainbow- interrupting my breakfast. Joshua Tree National Park has had below average precipitation for the last several years. There's concern about the long-term viability of Joshua Trees as they are relatively thirsty desert plants. The park had big rains earlier this fall and on this day, we had squalls then a deluge. The day was filled with rainbows- a rarity in Joshua Tree.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: ca, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Copyright: © Gerri Whitley