Any reports from Bosque yet?

Hoping to head off a day or two before Thanksgiving, during the time the alternate Loop is open.
I have the Art Morris update for this year, but am hoping for some info from people actually THERE.
Sandy

Sandy, I was at the Bosque yesterday, and it was very distressing. The three ponds on the main road to the refuge have water (actually the best spots for morning and evening flight photography), but about 85% of the wetlands inside the refuge are bone dry. There is water in the area from the flight deck (facing south), and that's where every snow goose on the property was concentrated. I also read Artie's report, but I didn't see where there were any bird crops whatsoever. The traditional corn fields are either grown up in weeds or planted with alfalfa - there is nothing at all there for birds to eat. The report at the visitor's center listed 290 sandhill cranes now on the property, but I saw perhaps 30 total - but it is still early in the season. Hopefully, the alternate loop will offer something better. I saw a small assortment of ducks, coots and Canada geese, but without open water, there isn't much for them there. Frankly, there weren't many birds of ANY kind on the refuge property.

I don't know if refuge personnel have plans to flood any more of the wetlands in the next couple of weeks if then even can - I just don't know how that works.

Drove past Sevilleta on the way to Bosque, and there is not a drop of water (or a single bird) on that whole refuge. Our drought has certainly taken its toll.

The report at the visitor's center listed 290 sandhill cranes now on the property

During Oct and up till now I've seen literally 1000s of cranes flying over my house on their way south. Sometimes well over a 100 in one group! Where are they all going??

I'm really surprised that Bosque is that dry! Sad state of affairs, for sure. Hoping for a wet winter/spring but La Nina will probably nix that.

Thanks, Gail and Phil. Very distressing!!!! The cranes are likely heading for the Rio Grand valley since Bosque is pretty much dried up.
Sandy

Forgot to mention, Sandy, I'll be at Bosque next Thursday through Sunday for the Festival of the Cranes art show. I'll update this post with current conditions at that time.