Posted by Keith Bauer on November 19, 2012 at 8:56 AM
I just returned from Bosque Del Apache after leading a workshop with two other instructors. Thought I would share a bit about the conditions there.
The refuge is under new leadership and it is showing. The pond at the flight deck is full and completely clear weeds, etc. Thousands of geese are using it during many hours of the day. Certainly there in the morning, but they came back during the day as well.
The crane pools along highway 1 are in excellent shape and the cranes put on their usual morning show there. Fantastic opportunities for flight shots.
The north end of the farm loop only has one location with corn. The birds seem to congregate in many different places on the north end though. Ample opportunity for things to happen. The refuge management has cleared many of the obstructing weeds and salt cedar from the north end that prevented viewing.
The south end is dry. The pond at the board walk is dry. We saw very little activity there. The marsh deck has a bit of water and a few ducks, harriers, etc. seem to be using it. Maybe more water will flow there, but the drought is clearly limiting the amount of water the refuge has to direct to specific locations.
Overall bird numbers were very good. I was pleasantly surprised at the volume of geese / cranes / ducks. Did not see many hawks and only 1 bald eagle to date. I'm sure more will arrive later.
I'm very optimistic about the refuge if it continues in the direction it has gone under the new management.
Posted by Dennis Plank on November 19, 2012 at 5:38 PM
Thanks, Keith. Good news since I'm in the process of booking a visit for January.
Posted by Brian Gatlin on November 19, 2012 at 11:37 PM
Dennis, I don't have things set for sure, but I should be there some time during the week of MLK Day--maybe I'll see you out there.
Posted by Bill Leggett on November 22, 2012 at 8:58 PM
Keith, I was there from this past Sunday through yesterday morning. I had been told that marsh loop was dry so I didn't go, so I spent most of the time early mornings at the crane pools, then later on farm loop, as well as on the northern extension. Seems than a lot of the geese and Sandhills were congregating along the north side of the extension. FWIW, I went up the Bernardo WMA and found a good number of Sandhills, but didn't stay long, as it was only a scouting trip due to my schedule. I agree that the numbers look quite good for the season.
Discussion
4 repliesThe refuge is under new leadership and it is showing. The pond at the flight deck is full and completely clear weeds, etc. Thousands of geese are using it during many hours of the day. Certainly there in the morning, but they came back during the day as well.
The crane pools along highway 1 are in excellent shape and the cranes put on their usual morning show there. Fantastic opportunities for flight shots.
The north end of the farm loop only has one location with corn. The birds seem to congregate in many different places on the north end though. Ample opportunity for things to happen. The refuge management has cleared many of the obstructing weeds and salt cedar from the north end that prevented viewing.
The south end is dry. The pond at the board walk is dry. We saw very little activity there. The marsh deck has a bit of water and a few ducks, harriers, etc. seem to be using it. Maybe more water will flow there, but the drought is clearly limiting the amount of water the refuge has to direct to specific locations.
Overall bird numbers were very good. I was pleasantly surprised at the volume of geese / cranes / ducks. Did not see many hawks and only 1 bald eagle to date. I'm sure more will arrive later.
I'm very optimistic about the refuge if it continues in the direction it has gone under the new management.
Sandy