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This is one of the premier winter bird photography
locations in North America. Tens of thousands of Snow Geese and Sandhill
Cranes winter along this stretch of the Rio Grande River Valley in central New
Mexico. Sunrise and sunset are spectacular, while during the mid-day the snow
geese and cranes are doing constant fly-bys between the ponds and the corn fields. Large
flocks of ducks fill in the open water on the refuge's many ponds, while many
types of raptors, including bald eagles, hunt from the cottonwoods. This
is the only safari where I have carded out (completely filled all my memory
cards) by lunch time. On the last safari we had a terrific encounter
photographing Javelina at Bosque.
Reservations
If coming from California the first three photographers can
ride with me, others can meet me in Socorro. From my house in Tulare it is
about a 13 hour drive - just an easy day. We alternate buying gas for
those riding with me and split hotel accommodations when possible. Reservations
are at a local
hotel in Socorro, NM, you pay upon check-in. The cost per night is usually
around $80/night, or half that if you split a room. We meet in Socorro. Warm boots, gloves, overcoat, etc are important as this location can get very
cold.
Following the Bosque del Apache Safari, I head
down to Laredo, TX for a 4 day safari (December 12-15) with friend and
fellow wildlife photographer Butch Ramirez. There is a $250 discount on
this safari for those doing both the Bosque and Texas wildlife safaris. (LINK)
Image Albums and Videos:
Bosque Blast Off
Geese Gallery
Sandhill Cranes Gallery
Difficulty Level:
EASY
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