Our stop at Bosque Del Apache

On our way home from the White Sands and Tucson trip we stopped at Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. I had been reading about it for years and decided to spend only one night since I had heard the first of November might be too early. Many more birds were expected but there were plenty to photograph, even at this early date. At several locations, particularly a spot called "The Flight Deck" a photographer gets pretty close to birds on the water and flying. This pair seemed to be marching past in review. I found the shooting really challenging. I envied the guys with VR lenses. I used the Tamron 200-500mm. It was okay for what it is but next time I will try to rent a better lens.

The birds at Bosque Del Apache are of several varieties. The most common are sandhill cranes and snow geese. This small flock was returning from the day's feed at near-dusk. Shooting the birds on the wing is, of course, the most difficult. Plan on sifting through a lot of images when you go. But go! It is a remarkable place.

Ducks, geese and sandhill cranes share the same space without any apparent difficulty. Occasionally, a raptor would fly over and the ducks would get excited but the geese and sandhills pretty much ignored them. It is also a noisy place with that distinctive sound of the cranes and the chatter of the geese and ducks. I was surprised that there were not more mallards.

We had planned only a one night stay. But this place will hook you. We stayed three days and I hated to leave. We parked our motorhome at an RV park just outside the refuge, a very convenient location if you have an RV. The cranes are so beautiful in the air, especially as they set their wings to land. Those moments just before and immediately after touchdown, however, are anything but grace for the cranes. :)

Rod, I'm glad you finally "discovered" Bosque del Apache. I like your duck shot best.

Were the ponds north of the entrance (west side of road) flooded yet? In past years I found those best for both morning and evening light.

Bill,

Thanks. Yes, they were flooded. In the evening there were a considerable number of cranes on those ponds. I did some shooting there also.

Thanks Rod. Nice work. Bosque is a wonderful place.

Bill Brennan

Cool, Rod-- I especially like the synchronized pair up top!

I'm with Stan on #1. Looks like you had a good trip.

Like that synchronized pair at the top, Rod.

Nice shots. I like the light in the snow geese image.

Nice captures! Three thumbs up on all of them.