Posted by Kurt Bowman on November 19, 2016 at 8:18 PM
Thanks Dennis and Sandy. I knew that about Keith but trying not to assume he's been yet this year. Last few years he seems to go about same time as me or even a bit later.
Posted by John Neukirch on November 20, 2016 at 8:20 AM
Kurt, I see that "The friends of Bosque" has a bird count page and it was updated yesterday. I know their big Crane Festival wraps up today. It just so happens I'm going to be down there this coming Friday and Saturday, perhaps we'll run into each other if it coincides with your visit. Would enjoy meeting you.
Posted by Keith Bauer on November 20, 2016 at 9:18 AM
Hi Kurt:
Just returned late last night from a few days teaching at the Bosque. So far the refuge has not published their "official" bird counts.
I'm terrible at estimating, but there are more than enough cranes, geese to keep things interesting. The crane pools in the morning have been OK, not spectacular mostly because the cranes have been leaving before the sun crests the east horizon for that great morning light. My early morning flight workshop had about a dozen left by the time the sun hit, but that was enough for everyone to get some really nice images after practicing on the ones that left before the sweet light hit.
North end of the farm loop has plenty of corn. One day the cranes / geese were right next the road in a cut of corn (by the big tree) and circled and landed for 2 hours. That was pretty fantastic. The next day, they were in the next field to the east in the alfafa and seem lazy just eating, with little flight activity. That's just the way it works there as you know.
At least 1 bald eagle, and 1 golden eagle. Plenty of ducks (northern pintails are everywhere), shovelers, mallards, buffleheads, etc. Afternoons seem to be slow. Didn't have any good light for fly in, but still able to get the classic silhouette shots of the cranes kiting in.
Hope that helps.
Keith
Posted by Kurt Bowman on November 20, 2016 at 9:30 PM
Thanks for the update Keith! Glad to hear about the corn this year, wasn't real happy with their decisions on the fields the last couple years. I'm heading down Thanksgiving evening (after an early dinner) and will be there over the weekend. Most likely coming home after a Monday morning shoot. Keith let me know if your around during that time.
John, hope to run into you! Or anyone else from NPN that might be hanging out at the time. :)
Discussion
6 repliesJust returned late last night from a few days teaching at the Bosque. So far the refuge has not published their "official" bird counts.
I'm terrible at estimating, but there are more than enough cranes, geese to keep things interesting. The crane pools in the morning have been OK, not spectacular mostly because the cranes have been leaving before the sun crests the east horizon for that great morning light. My early morning flight workshop had about a dozen left by the time the sun hit, but that was enough for everyone to get some really nice images after practicing on the ones that left before the sweet light hit.
North end of the farm loop has plenty of corn. One day the cranes / geese were right next the road in a cut of corn (by the big tree) and circled and landed for 2 hours. That was pretty fantastic. The next day, they were in the next field to the east in the alfafa and seem lazy just eating, with little flight activity. That's just the way it works there as you know.
At least 1 bald eagle, and 1 golden eagle. Plenty of ducks (northern pintails are everywhere), shovelers, mallards, buffleheads, etc. Afternoons seem to be slow. Didn't have any good light for fly in, but still able to get the classic silhouette shots of the cranes kiting in.
Hope that helps.
Keith
John, hope to run into you! Or anyone else from NPN that might be hanging out at the time. :)