Wildlife Art Show 
Expo Tent
WILDLIFE ZONE
Pre-Festival, November 11-13
Advanced Wildlife Digital Photography W
6:00 AM to 6:30 PM Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
Nov. 11-13
PF-dp $425 Bosque Visitor CenterThis 3-day PRE-FESTIVAL workshop is designed for those eager to learn how to photograph the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge using a digital SLR camera. Professional wildlife photographer and naturalist Jerry Goffe and his co-instructors will conduct a 3-day experience on wildlife and nature photography. Included are both classroom and hands-on experience at the Refuge. Proven techniques and tips will be utilized while photographing sandhill cranes, geese, other animals and landscapes of the Refuge. The workshop will start at sunrise each morning and go through sunset. Classroom presentation, downloading, Photoshop, and printing will also be included. The workshop has been designed to give the participants copious amounts of personal assistance while out on the Refuge. Wimberley, Really Right Stuff, Hunt Photo, Hoodman and others also support the workshop with the use of their most popular products. Sigma Photo will be providing telephoto lenses for the workshop. Bring your camera and flash, instruction manual, media (memory) cards, laptop if you have one, tripod, layered clothing and a sense of excitement. Meet at the Visitor Center on Sunday at 6:00AM. Limit 24. Breakfasts and lunches are included. An orientation meeting will be held at the Bodega Restaurant in Sorroco (606 California Street) on Saturday night, November 10 at 6:30.
Tuesday, November 13th
Sandhill Crane Behavior W
5:30 AM to 11:30 AM
TU-scb $85 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterThe most comprehensive training on cranes offered at any crane festival, this morning-long workshop will teach you many of the common vocalizations, body language and other characteristics of sandhill cranes. You’ll learn to recognize juveniles, tell subspecies apart, distinguish between dancing and aggression and many other details that will help you better understand and appreciate sandhill cranes. At first light we will listen to the cranes on their roosting spots to identify vocalizations and other behaviors. We then move to the classroom for breakfast and viewing many behaviors on film before traveling to different locations on the Refuge to watch and interpret crane interactions. Your instructors are Paul Tebbel and Keanna Leonard. Warm shoes and warm, layered clothing recommended. Limit 20. Offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Deadly Beauty Behavior W
8:00 AM to 11:30 AM
TU-dbb $30 San Antonio, Owl BarExplore the strategies that hawks and falcons use to catch their prey and raise their young with falconer, raptor breeder, and wildlife rehabilitator Matthew Mitchell. Trained hawks and falcons will be released to fly, chase lures, and possibly even hunt wild quarry (viewers be warned!). This group will meet at the west side of the Owl Café in San Antonio at 8:00 AM and carpool a short distance to an area where the birds can be flown safely. Bring your questions and binoculars. Cameras are allowed, but no dogs, please. Limit 35.
Science Behind the Scenery W
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
TU-sbs Free Bosque Visitor CenterMeet the reseachers in the Visitor Center Tuesday morning as several of the researchers who have projects on the Refuge will gather to talk about their projects. It’s a great time to ask questions and get to know them better. Their posters will hang in the Visitor Center entryway, with new ones displayed each day. Stop and take a look!
Land, Sea and Air T
8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
TU-lsa $100 Marina del Sur, Elephant Butte LakeSea birds, diving ducks, cormorants, grebes, white pelicans and more can be found in a dramatic geological setting at Elephant Butte Lake. Join volunteers Steve Green and Cathie Sandell for this exciting trip aboard a 44-foot twin- engine houseboat, followed by birding on land. Breakfast snacks and a full lunch, featuring locally grown and produced foods, will be served. The boat will leave promptly at 9:00 AM from Marina del Sur at Elephant Butte State Park and will return to the same location around noon. From there we caravan (5-10 minutes) to the riparian area at the base of Elephant Butte Dam for more birding. Take exit 83 on I-25 and follow signs to the State Park. As the park is a 90-minute drive from Socorro, you may want to stay the night before the trip in Truth or Consequences. We will be happy to send information on accommodations close to the tour site. The price of the tour is refundable if the weather is such that the trip has to be canceled. Be sure to note your dietary requirements on the meals page of the reg istration form. Warm clothing is recommended. Limit 14. Offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Horseback Adventure for the Novice T
11:30 AM to 3:30 PM
TU-han $90 Lemitar Truck StopAre you looking for an adventure to complete your visit to the diverse and exciting Festival of Cranes? Come join trail boss Dacodah Herkenhoff through the beautiful desert landscape of San Lorenzo Canyon in historic San Acacia, only 45 minutes north of the Bosque del Apache. During this intimate horseback tour of the hidden canyon you will travel up and down the winding trail across the red rock cliffs, over rolling hills flourishing with mesquite, and through sandy riverbeds abundant with wildlife. This ride is for those who consider themselves beginners or are new to riding. Please dress in layers and wear closed-toe shoes for the ride and bring a snack and water. If you have any other questions about this ride please contact Dacodah Herkenhoff at 575-517-0477. For more information about Acacia Riding Adventures please visit www.acaciaridingadventures.com. Meet at the truckstop off I-25 at the Lemitar exit, 8 miles north of Socorro. Offered Tuesday, Thursday. Advanced Adventure offered Wednesday. Limit 15.
Wednesday, November 14th
Rocket Nets and Bird Bands W
5:30 AM to 9:30 AM
WE-rnbb $45 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterBanding is one of the most important tools available to wildlife managers for managing migratory bird populations. Data from banding programs provides information on seasonal and annual movements and population dynamics. Typically waterfowl banding is conducted on the breeding grounds: wintering grounds such as Bosque del Apache NWR seldom run active banding programs. Bosque del Apache NWR is unique. Over the past 20 years several banding efforts have been conducted as part of Refuge research including projects on sandhill cranes, snow geese, Canada geese and several puddle ducks. In 2005 with the international concern over highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), Bosque del Apache NWR partnered with USDA APHIS and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to monitor wild waterfowl populations for the presence of the disease. The Refuge’s latest banding program is part of this effort. Join LMRD Biologist John Vradenburg and Refuge Wildlife Biologist Ashley Inslee as they work with APHIS and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish staff to capture, sample, and band ducks on the Refuge’s wetlands. Warm clothing is advised--it will be cold! Limit 15.
Sandhill Crane Behavior W
5:30 AM to 11:30 AM
WE-scb $85 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterThe most comprehensive training on cranes offered at any crane festival, this morning-long workshop will teach you many of the common vocalizations, body language and other characteristics of sandhill cranes. You’ll learn to recognize juveniles, tell subspecies apart, distinguish between dancing and aggression and many other details that will help you better understand and appreciate sandhill cranes. At first light we will listen to the cranes on their roosting spots to identify vocalizations and other behaviors. We then move to the classroom for breakfast and viewing many behaviors on film before traveling to different locations on the Refuge to watch and interpret crane interactions. Your instructors are Paul Tebbel and Keanna Leonard. Warm shoes and warm, layered clothing recommended. Limit 20. Offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Deadly Beauty Photography W
8:00 AM to 10:30 AM
WE-dbp $50 San Antonio, Owl BarHawks, falcons and eagles will be the star performers as they are released to fly, chase lures, and possibly hunt wild quarry (viewers be warned!). Falconer and wildlife rehabilitator Matthew Mitchell will give priority to the needs of photographers as he exercises his trained raptors. Professional wildlife photographer and naturalist Jerry Goffe will be offering photography techniques and tips. This group will meet at the west side of the Owl Café in San Antonio at 8:00 AM and carpool a short distance to an area where the birds can be flown safely. Bring your questions, tripods, cameras and binoculars. Please, no dogs! Limit 15.
Land, Sea and Air T
8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
WE-lsa $100 Marina del Sur, Elephant Butte LakeSea birds, diving ducks, cormorants, grebes, white pelicans and more can be found in a dramatic geological setting at Elephant Butte Lake. Join volunteers Steve Green and Cathie Sandell for this exciting trip aboard a 44-foot twin- engine houseboat, followed by birding on land. Breakfast snacks and a full lunch, featuring locally grown and produced foods, will be served. The boat leaves promptly at 9:00 AM from Marina del Sur at Elephant Butte State Park and returns to the same location around noon. From there we caravan (5-10 minutes) to the riparian area at the base of Elephant Butte Dam for more birding. Take exit 83 on I-25 and follow signs to the State Park. The park is a 90-minute drive from Socorro; you may want to stay the night before the trip in Truth or Consequences. We will be happy to send information on accommodations close to the tour. The price of the tour is refundable if the weather is such that the trip has to be canceled. Be sure to note your dietary requirements on the meals page of the registration form. Warm clothing is recommended. Limit 14. Offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Birding Sevilleta T
8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
WE-bs $20 Sevilleta NWRDiscover another side of Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge! Explore grasslands, short grass prairie and Piñon-Juniper woodlands in search of some winged residents! Enjoy this rare opportunity to discover the magic of Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge and its many inhabitants! Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. This tour includes some easy to moderate walking over uneven terrain. Don’t forget your lunch and plenty of drinking water. Take I-25 north from Socorro to exit 169, turn west and go ¾ mile to the Refuge Visitor Center. Limit 12.
Raptor ID Tour T
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
WE-rit $25 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterJoin Gail Garber from Hawks Aloft to scout out some of the many species of raptors that winter in the Rio Grande Valley. We’ll visit public areas of the Bosque del Apache and possibly travel some of the back roads of Socorro County in search of rarities such as Harlan’s red-tailed hawk and more. This event is offered Wednesday and Thursday. Limit
22. Meet at the Visitor Center bus stop.
*New*
Migration of Cranes L
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
WE-mc $5 Macey Center, SocorroJoin photojournalists, birders and adventurers, Erv Nichols and Sandra Noll on an 8 month photo-journey following sandhill cranes from Bosque del Apache to northern Alaska where many cranes nest and raise their young. Along the way you will learn about sandhill cranes’ wintering, breeding and migratory habitats, mating and nesting behaviors, as well as the sophisticated communication and colt- rearing practices of this fascinating bird. Erv and Sandra will also share stories and photos of other birds and wildlife and the people and places they encountered on this migratory journey. Limit 65.
Duck Ecology L
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
WE-de $5 Macey Center, SocorroDucks are the dominant avifauna of wetland systems and one of the most successful avian groups in the world. Representatives breed on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. The success of this group of birds is tied to the diversity in size and shape of various parts of their body. These physical features allow ducks to travel great distances, be reactive to wetland availability, and survive through periods of poor habitat condition. In this presentation Land Management Research and Demonstration Biologist John Vradenburg will discuss duck ecology as it relates to habitat use, migration timing and distance, and reproductive strategies. Emphasis will be placed on species common to Bosque del Apache NWR. Limit 65.
Horseback Adventure for the Skilled T
11:30 AM to 3:30 PM
WE-has $90 Lemitar Truck StopThe High Ridge Trail is the focus of this ride through the beautiful desert landscape of San Lorenzo Canyon in historic San Acacia, only 45 minutes north of the Bosque del Apache. Trail Boss Dacodah Herkenhoff will guide you to stunning views from atop the red sandstone cliffs of the trail. This tour is for those who consider themselves intermediate or advanced riders as it requires steep climbing uphill and down. The sure- footed horses will carry you safely, but if you have a fear of heights, this is not the ride for you: consider the adventure offered on Tuesday or Thursday instead. Please dress in layers and wear closed-toe shoes for the ride and bring water and a snack. If you have any other questions about this ride please contact Dacodah Herkenhoff at 575-517-0477. For more information about Acacia Riding Adventures please visit www.acaciaridingadventures.com. Meet at the truckstop off I-25 at the Lemitar exit, 8 miles north of Socorro. Limit 15.
Raptor ID L
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
WE-rid $5 Macey Center, SocorroHave you always wondered about the mysterious world of raptor identification and just what that large hawk flying overhead might be? Join Gail Garber for an enlightening look into the world of raptors and how to distinguish them from one another. Plumage characteristics, season, behavior and habitat all provide clues to their identity. Thanks to the wildlife photographers that donate their work to Hawks Aloft, this program promises to be a visual art show. Limit 65.
Refuge Tour T
1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
WE-rt $5 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterThis is a rare opportunity to explore seldom-visited areas of the Refuge with your knowledgeable refuge staff tour guides. Dennis Vicente, your host, will help identify birds and explain how the land and water you see are managed to benefit wildlife. See spectacular views of cranes, geese, ducks and raptors, and perhaps even turkeys. Tours are offered Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Please note that, due to time constraints, participants remain on the bus for the 2+-hour tour. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot. Limit 35.
Refuge Birding Tour T
2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
WE-rbt $10 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterThe Refuge Birding Tour focuses on the species that can be seen within the Bosque del Apache NWR. The exact tour route will depend on the distribution of birds on that day. Offered Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Limit 32.
*New*
Dinner Theater: “Odd Couple” Female Version E
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
WE-dt $38 Garcia Opera House, SocorroThe Socorro Community Theater will be presenting “The Odd Couple” (female version) by Neil Simon and directed by Theresa Apodaca at the historic Garcia Opera House. In this modern adaptation of the 1965 Tony Award Winning comedy, it’s Florence Unger and Olive Madison. Olive, the slob bachelorette, and Florence, the meticulous friend, are complete opposites who are thrown together when Flo breaks up with her husband. The consequences are dynamic and hilarious in this contemporary classic comedy which is set in the 1980s. Dinner menu available upon request after Labor Day. Pre-paid registration by November 8 is required. Keep up to speed: www.socorro.com/sct. Limit 60.
Thursday, November 15th
Walk Out to Fly Out T
5:30 AM to 7:30 AM
TH-wofo $5 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterIt’s early, it’s dark, and it’s cold, but this is one event you shouldn’t miss. When thousands of cranes and geese take flight, the sight and sound is spectacular. Dress warmly and meet in the Visitor Center parking lot for a short bus ride and walk to the roosting area. Offered Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Limit 80.
Bosque Birding Intensive T
5:30 AM to 9:30 AM
TH-bbi $75 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterA tour for intermediate and expert birders. You will have the most experienced guides and birding assistants the Bosque has to offer for a morning of serious birding. Coffee and pastries are provided but the focus is on BIRDING. Your host will be Cecil Kimberlin, long-time guide at the Bosque del Apache NWR, ably assisted by volunteers Michael Hilchey, Raymond VanBuskirk and Sally Ginet. This event is offered Thursday and Friday. Limit 12.
Sandhill Crane Behavior W
5:30 AM to 11:30 AM
TH-scb $85 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterThe most comprehensive training on cranes offered at any crane festival, this morning-long workshop will teach you many of the common vocalizations, body language and other characteristics of sandhill cranes. You’ll learn to recognize juveniles, tell subspecies apart, distinguish between dancing and aggression and many other details that will help you better understand and appreciate sandhill cranes. At first light we will listen to the cranes on their roosting spots to identify vocalizations and other behaviors. We then move to the classroom for breakfast and viewing many behaviors on film before traveling to different locations on the Refuge to watch and interpret crane interactions. Your instructors are Paul Tebbel and Keanna Leonard. Warm shoes and warm, layered clothing recommended. Limit 20. Offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
*New*
Deadly Beauty Raptors and Man W
8:00 AM to 10:30 AM
TH-dbrm $45 San Antonio, Owl BarJoin falconer and wildlife rehabilitator Matthew Mitchell with his free flying raptors as he highlights the interconnectedness of birds of prey in our lives. The discussion will focus on falconry, captive breeding, and raptor rehabilitation. We will watch trained hawks and falcons play, fly, and yes, hunt....participants be warned! This group will meet at the west side of the Owl Café in San Antonio at 8:00 AM and carpool a short distance to an area where the birds can be flown safely. Bring your questions, tripods, cameras and binoculars. Please, no dogs! Limit 25.
Land, Sea and Air T
8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
TH-lsa $100 Marina del Sur, Elephant Butte LakeSea birds, diving ducks, cormorants, grebes, white pelicans and more can be found in a dramatic geological setting at Elephant Butte Lake. Join volunteers Steve Green and Cathie Sandell for this exciting trip aboard a 44-foot twin-engine houseboat, followed by birding on land. Breakfast snacks and a full lunch, featuring locally grown and produced foods, will be served. The boat will leave promptly at 9 AM from Marina del Sur at Elephant Butte State Park and will return to the same location around noon. From there we caravan (5-10 minutes) to the riparian area at the base of Elephant Butte Dam for more birding. Take exit 83 on I-25 and follow signs to the State Park. As the park is a 90-minute drive from Socorro, you may want to stay the night before the trip in Truth or Consequences. We will be happy to send information on accommodations close to the tour site. The price of the tour is refundable if the weather is such that the trip has to be canceled. Be sure to note your dietary requirements on the meals page of the reg istration form. Warm clothing is recommended. Limit 14. Offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Raptor ID Tour T
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
TH-rit $25 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterJoin Gail Garber from Hawks Aloft to scout out some of the many species of raptors that winter in the Rio Grande Valley. We’ll visit public areas of the Bosque del Apache and possibly travel some of the back roads of Socorro County in search of rarities such as Harlan’s red-tailed hawk and more. This event is offered Wednesday and Thursday. Limit 22. Meet at the Visitor Center bus stop.
Sevilleta’s Eastside Story T
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
TH-ses $15 Visitor Center, Sevilleta NWRSevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is the largest refuge in New Mexico and is one of the largest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), encompassing approximately 230,000 acres in central New Mexico. It is unique because four biomes, the Colorado Plateau Shrub Steppe, the Chihuahuan Desert, the Short Grass Prairie, and the Pinon Juniper Woodland, intersect on the refuge. In addition, the Rio Grande flows through the center of Sevilleta NWR, providing a riparian oasis that plays a vital role in the mixed ecosystems. Take I-25 north from Socorro to Exit 169 (Sevilleta NWR), turn west and go ¾ mile to the Refuge Visitor Center. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. This tour includes some easy to moderate walking over uneven terrain. Don’t forget your lunch and plenty of drinking water. Limit 20.
*New*
Origami Crane Workshop W
9:00 AM to 10:15 AM
TH-ocw $5 Bosque Visitor CenterThis is a hands-on workshop! Learn a skill! Join Elvira Hunt from US Fish & Wildlife for your chance at creating your own crane paper sculpture, while learning about cranes! You will see your bird come alive within your own hands! It will “fold” its way into your heart! The staff of the Migratory Bird Permits Office would like to instruct you in origami and spotting cranes. Origami is an age old tradition that transforms the simplest piece of paper into a work of art. Legend has it that if you make 1000 cranes your wishes come true! Join us and work on making your wishes come true! Open to all ages! Limit 24.
Northern Aplomado Falcon: Back from the Brink
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM L
TH-naf $5 Macey Center, SocorroPhotojournalists, birders and adventurers, Erv Nichols and Sandra Noll have documented the story of their summer in the New Mexico desert reintroducing Aplomado chicks back into the wild. Their presentation will include an overview of North American raptors and an explanation of how the work of The Peregrine Fund and others is helping to save an endangered species. Limit 65.
Hike: Mines in the Magdalenas, a geology and cultural history hike H
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
TH-hmm $5 Meet at Macey CenterIn the 1880s, Socorro County was the center of a silver and gold mining boom. Individual miners were able to stake claims in the Socorro and Magdalena Mountains and extracted on average 10 ounces of silver for every ton of silver bearing rock mined. The area produced between $7 million and $9 million in silver from 1880-1902. This 2-hour, 2.5 mile hike along an old wagon trail in Water Canyon takes you past the remnants of a long gone miner’s sluice where the miners used water and gravity to separate heavier ore bearing rock from soils and lighter stones. The silver, the mines and the miners are long gone, but the interesting geology and the beauty of the pine forest remain. The hike follows ridge lines and while there is no significant elevation change on the trail, the entire hike is at 8400 feet above sea level. Even a level trail can be challenging for individuals who are not acclimated to the area. Light hiking shoes are recommended as well as warm clothing because of the altitude. Limit: 12. Take highway 60 west of Socorro approximately 15 miles to the Water Canyon turnoff. Follow the paved road. We’ll meet at the restroom parking lot where the paved road ends and carpool to the trail head.
*New*
Monitoring Golden Eagle Movements L
10:30 AM to 11:15 AM
TH-mgem $5 Bosque Visitor CenterIn 2010 the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Migratory Bird program launched a study of golden eagles using satellite telemetry in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. We have so far deployed 48 transmitters, mostly on nestling golden eagles but a few on wintering adults, in order to learn movement patterns of different age groups as well as survival rates and causes of mortality. Join Bill Howe as he presents how long fledglings hang out at home before being booted out by their parents, where they go as they wander far and wide in the Rocky Mountain states, what adults do during times of extreme drought and low food supplies, and much more. Limit 45.
Horned Lizards of New Mexico L
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
TH-hlnm $5 Macey Center, SocorroHorned lizards are fascinating reptiles with divergent life history strategies among several species. New Mexico harbors many different species. Learn what habitats to observe different horned lizards in and what tactics they employ to avoid predators, reproduce, and forage. Ashley Inslee, Refuge biologist, will also discuss factors leading to the population decline of many of these species. Limit 65.
*New*
Identification of Geese in NM L
11:30 AM to 12:15 PM
TH-ig $5 Bosque Visitor CenterNew Mexico has five regularly-occurring species of geese, some of which present identification challenges. Join Bill Howe from Fish and Wildlife Service’s Migratory Bird program as he presents the status of each species in the state (greater white-fronted, snow, Ross’s, cackling, and Canada) and will focus especially on what to look for in telling snow and Ross’s geese apart (adult, immature, white phase, blue phase) and in telling the cackling goose from the familiar Canada goose. These identifications are not always straight- forward, and New Mexico offers some great places to study these birds. Limit 45.
Horseback Adventure for the Novice T
11:30 AM to 3:30 PM
TH-han $90 Lemitar Truck StopAre you looking for an adventure to complete your visit to the diverse and exciting Festival of Cranes? Come join trail boss Dacodah Herkenhoff through the beautiful desert landscape of San Lorenzo Canyon in historic San Acacia, only 45 minutes north of the Bosque del Apache. During this intimate horseback tour of the hidden canyon you will travel up and down the winding trail across the red rock cliffs, over rolling hills flourishing with mesquite, and through sandy riverbeds abundant with wildlife. This ride is for those who consider themselves beginners or are new to riding. Please dress in layers and wear closed-toe shoes for the ride and bring a snack and water. If you have any other questions about this ride please contact Dacodah Herkenhoff at 575-517-0477. For more information about Acacia Riding Adventures please visit www.acaciaridingadventures.com. Limit 10. Meet at the truckstop off I-25 at the Lemitar exit, 8 miles north of Socorro. Offered Tuesday, Thursday. Advanced Adventure offered Wednesday. Limit 15.
The Refuge Biology Program T
12:30 PM to 4:00 PM
TH-rbp $15 Bosque Visitor CenterBosque del Apache NWR is ideally situated in a flyway ecosystem that extends from Canada to Mexico, and offers rest and food to migrating wildlife. Join our Wildlife Biologist, John Vradenburg, for a presentation and tour showcasing some of the ongoing habitat management projects at Bosque del Apache NWR. See how Refuge staff transform the land: creating habitat, restoring natural processes, and manipulating land and water to benefit a variety of wildlife. You’ll understand why the Refuge is one of fourteen Land Management Research and Demonstration Areas in the country that are outstanding examples of how applied research and habitat management work together. Limit 30.
*New*
Raptors in a Human Dominated World L
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
TH-rhdw $5 Macey Center, SocorroVirtually all raptor species are impacted by the actions and presence of the 7 billion people with whom they share the planet. Meet some of the winners, species that have adapted to our presence, and also some of the losers, many of which are in decline or on the brink of extinction. Hawks Aloft experts will discuss anthropogenic effects of human structures, ranging from windows to energy production and automobiles to chemicals. Learn about the gritty survivors like red-tailed hawk and great horned owl, species that thrive in a fragmented landscape. Others, like the Cooper’s hawk have capitalized on our habits of feeding backyard birds. And some species, like the California condor still exist only because of superhuman efforts to save species on the brink of extinction. What can you, the concerned citizen, do to help? Limit 65.
Nature Journaling: Painting Your Field Notes
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM W
TH-nj $35 Bosque Visitor CenterLearn to see quickly and record your observations in pencil and watercolor with artist Maren Phillips. Take a crash course in drawing from nature and how to translate your observations onto paper. Spend time looking and remembering, then make the eye hand connection resulting in drawings, paintings, and illustrations from the field. Be prepared to have fun, work hard, and be surprised! Bring a small drawing paper pad, at least 8 x 10, any soft pencils, charcoal or conte crayon, and/or drawing pens and ink. Bring a kneaded eraser, a small pan or tube watercolor set with pallette, and at least 2 sizes of good watercolor brushes. Colored pencils are acceptable. Water and water holders will be provided. Limit 20.
VLA Tour T
1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
TH-vla Free VLA, 52 miles west of SocorroThe Very Large Array (VLA) is a world-famous radio telescope consisting of 27 giant dish antennas spread across the Plains of San Agustin 50 miles west of Socorro. In this special tour, you will learn about the history, operation and mission of this National Science Foundation project while touring the visitor center and walking to the base of one of the 25-meter (82- feet) dishes. Take Highway 60 west from Socorro to Magdalena. Continue west for 19 miles. Turn south on Route 52 and follow signs to the VLA Visitor Center. Allow one hour travel time from Socorro. Limit 35. Offered Thursday and Friday.
Refuge Birding Tour T
1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
TH-rbt $10 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterLead by Bill Howe from US Fish and Wildlife, Migratory Bird Division we will travel along roads within the Refuge and stop at locations where birds are found to be congregating. The exact route will be determined the day of the tour so we can take advantage of the latest information on movements of the birds. At this time of year we will likely see a good variety of ducks and geese, numerous sandhill cranes, several species of hawks in their many confusing plumages, perhaps some bald eagles if they have come in for the winter by this time, and a scattering of small landbirds. The habitats at Bosque del Apache NWR attract a great variety of birds, so you never know what may surprise us out there. Come out and enjoy the Refuge’s birdlife! Limit 30.
*New*
Afternoon with the Cranes Fly In W
2:00 PM to 5:30 PM
TH-awc $45 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterSpend a fascinating fly in afternoon learning about our sandhill cranes with some of the best experts in the west. Most people see a group of cranes and wonder about what they are doing - after this workshop, you’ll be able to tell them. You’ll learn about dancing, their calls, the different subspecies, and even stories about the introduction of the Whooping Crane here over 25 years ago. Join crane experts Paul Tebbel, Keanna Leonard, Erv Nichols and Sandra Noll for this rare opportunity to learn about cranes, the Refuge and how we care for cranes from those who know best. Limit 28.
*New*
Bats Bats Bats L
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
TH-bbb $5 Macey Center, SocorroJoin world renowned bat photographer Dr. J. Scott Altenbach for a photographic journey through the lives and mysteries of these interesting and poorly understood mammals. With stunning photographs learn about the ways bats live their lives, the different ways they feed, their amazing echolocation capability, the different ways they fly, and some of the threats they face. Be introduced to vampire bats and learn how they get their daily blood meals, meet bats that feed on flowers, bats that catch fish, and some of the many kinds that eat insects. Meet some of New Mexico’s 26 species of bats and learn about the ecological niches they occupy. Finally, learn about how some kinds of bats have come to depend upon abandoned mines for roosting sites and about a program to protect this rapidly disappearing resource. Limit 65.
Walk In to Fly In T
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
TH-wifi $5 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterAs the shadows grow long and the sun begins to set, thousands of geese and cranes return to the nighttime safety of the marshes at the Bosque. Meet at the Visitor Center parking lot for a short bus ride and walk to the roost area to view this spectacular scene. Wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly. Offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Limit 80.
Feature Event
Friends Annual Dinner E
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
TH-fad $30 Bodega Restaurant, SocorroThe Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR invite you to join us at the annual Friends Banquet in the Bodega Burger Co. Restaurant Banquet Center, at 606 California Street, Socorro. Open to everyone, the banquet provides the opportunity to meet the Friends Board and Friends members in an informal setting, as well as John Vradenburg, our Thursday night keynote speaker and Lynn Greenwalt our Saturday night Keynote speaker. Dinner includes a complementay ticket to John Vradenburg’s Keynote presentation that fol lows dinner. Dinner is presented by Bodega Burger Co. with a cash bar. Be sure to make your dinner selection on the registration form. Dress is casual. See the menu offering above. Limit 200.
Feature Event
Friends 4th Annual Silent Auction E
6:45 PM to 7:30 PM
TH-fasa Free Bodega Restaurant, SocorroThe 4th Annual Silent Auction benefiting the Emerson Learn Bus Scholarship Endowment Fund will be held Thursday evening during the Friends Dinner at Bodega Burger Co. This event has raised thousands of dollars to bring school children to the Refuge, filling a critical need in this climate of declining school budgets. Auction items are different every year, but often range from fine hand-crafted items to antique books, original paintings to Pueblo pottery. Prior to the auction, items may be seen on a slideshow display in the Friends hospitality booth at the Refuge. You do not have to participate in the Friends dinner to bid, but you must be present at the close of the auction (7:15 PM) to pay for your items before the keynote presentation by John Vradenburg. Also on Thursday night, you’ll be able to view the
Photography Contest entries and winners.
Feature Event
Keynote: Bosque Past Present the Future L
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
TH-kppf $5 Bodega Restaurant, Socorro
Free when you join us for Friends Annual Dinner
Bosque del Apache NWR Past, Present, and the Future - When people think of Bosque del Apache NWR the first images that come to mind are cranes awaiting sunrise in a steam covered wetland or the eruption of snow geese into a blue cloudless sky. For decades these images have drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to share this experience and the Refuge has welcomed them. Lost among the birds, the photos, the hikes and the Festival is the story about those who have lived, worked and dreamed to make Bosque del Apache NWR the place it is today and are planning for how this place will look for wildlife and people in a world of uncertainty and change. Please join Land Management Research and Demonstration Biologist John Vradenburg as he reviews the key periods in the management of the Refuge, discusses the current biology and management program and describes the future vision for Bosque del Apache NWR. Join us for the Friends Annual Dinner at 6:00 PM and John’s Keynote presentation that follows dinner is included with your dinner reservation. Bodega Burger Co. Restaurant is located at 606 California Street in Socorro.
Friday, November 16th
Walk Out to Fly Out T
5:30 AM to 7:30 AM
FR-wofo $5 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterIt’s early, it’s dark, and it’s cold, but this is one event you shouldn’t miss. When thousands of cranes and geese take flight, the sight and sound is spectacular. Dress warmly and meet in the Visitor Center parking lot for a short bus ride and walk to the roosting area. Offered Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Limit 80.
Bosque Birding Intensive T
5:30 AM to 9:30 AM
FR-bbi $75 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterA tour for intermediate and expert birders. You will have the most experienced guides and birding assistants the Bosque has to offer for a morning of serious birding. Coffee and pastries are provided but the focus is on BIRDING. Your host will be Cecil Kimberlin, long-time guide at the Bosque del Apache NWR, ably assisted by volunteers Michael Hilchey, Raymond VanBuskirk and Sally Ginet. This event is offered Thursday and Friday. Limit 12.
Sandhill Crane Behavior W
5:30 AM to 11:30 AM
FR-scb $85 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterThe most comprehensive training on cranes offered at any crane festival, this morning-long workshop will teach you many of the common vocalizations, body language and other characteristics of sandhill cranes. You’ll learn to recognize juveniles, tell subspecies apart, distinguish between dancing and aggression and many other details that will help you better understand and appreciate sandhill cranes. At first light we will listen to the cranes on their roosting spots to identify vocalizations and other behaviors. We then move to the classroom for breakfast and viewing many behaviors on film before traveling to different locations on the Refuge to watch and interpret crane interactions. Your instructors are Paul Tebbel and Keanna Leonard. Warm shoes and warm, layered clothing recommended. Limit 20. Offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
*New*
Photo Workshop on the Bosque W
6:20 AM to 6:00 PM
FR-pwb $90 Bosque and Bosque Visitor CenterWe have a special opportunity to learn photography and capture some great shots. This four-part workshop includes a shooting session, classroom instructions, lunch, more classroom, and photography from 3:00 until dark, ALL on the same day. You’ll begin the workshop at the first pond parking area on the right, at the Refuge information Kiosk sign when entering from the north (4.0 miles from San Antonio on Hyw 1), with a pre-class shooting session for about 1 - 2 hours. During this session (be there at 6:20 AM) you will find the instructors by red flags on their cars and get help photographing sandhill cranes during fly-out. Be at the Visitors Center by 9:00 for the formal classroom session going until 10:30, and then back out on the Refuge until noon. Lunch will be provided in the classroom and another session will begin at 1:00. This session will include review of your images from the morning. At 3:00 we will again leave for fowl photography at its finest and then back to the “Crane Pond” to capture images of the cranes during fly-in as well as a typical magnificent New Mexico sunset! We are done at this point and off to dinner and time to admire our images. Jerry Goffe as well as his co-instructors welcome you to this workshop on how to capture fine images at the Refuge instead of just taking snap shots. Limit 20.
*New*
Kayaking through the Socorro Valley - a view from the river T
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
FR-ktsv $130 Escondida Lake Parking LotThe Rio Grande winds through the Socorro Valley north of Bosque del Apache NWR on its way south. The Socorro area has been settled for centuries because this water source provides food and shade to people and animals alike. Offered for the first time this year, river guide and Rio Grande advocate extraordinaire Steve Harris of Far Flung Adventure and Rio Grande Restoration will lead a kayaking tour of the river through the valley. He will describe the river from the perspective of NM water law and current management and talk about opportunities for sustaining the river’s future. He will be joined by area experts including Refuge Ecologist, Gina Dello Russo, who will discuss efforts to protect and enhance the 45 miles of river including the Refuge’s reach and the wildlife species that use this valley. We will point out crane roosts, evidence of the river in action, and restoration efforts along our beautiful valley. People in ordinary good health are welcome to participate; expert paddlers will lead the group, instruct beginner paddlers and ensure the safety of the party. In the event of higher flows, some rafts will be available for less experienced paddlers. The weather is unpredictable so participants should wear a cap or hat, canvas sneakers or water shoes, quick dry pants and shirt and bring extra clothing for weather contingencies including a wool or fleece sweater, rain jacket and change of dry clothes for after the trip. A dry bag will be provided for these items. Also, bring a liter or two of drinking water, sunglasses and sunscreen. If river flows are too low to boat, the trip will be cancelled and costs refunded in full. A box lunch will be provided. Take I-25 North from Socorro to exit 152, for Escondida. The exit ramps dump you out onto NM 408. Turn East on NM 408. After about a 1/4 mile the road will make a sharp turn to the North. Follow the pavement. Continue North for 1.4 miles to the intersection with Pueblito Road. You will see a sign for Escondida Lake, and see the lake itself to the Northeast. Turn right onto Pueblito Road. After 1/4 mile turn left into the park’s entrance. Limit 15
*New*
Land, Sea and Air Photo Tour T
8:30 AM to 2:00 AM
FR-lsa $130 Marina del Sur, Elephant Butte LakeSea birds, diving ducks, cormorants, grebes, white pelicans and more can be found in a dramatic geological setting at Elephant Butte Lake. Join volunteers Steve Green and Kathryn Dow for this exciting trip aboard a 44-foot twin- engine houseboat, followed by birding on land. The focus is learning how to take better photographs. Professional photographer Kathryn Dow will provide personal photo instruction during the tour. Breakfast snacks and a full lunch, featuring locally grown and produced foods, will be served. The boat will leave promptly at 9:00 AM from Marina del Sur at Elephant Butte State Park and will return to the same location around noon. From there we caravan (5-10 minutes) to the riparian area at the base of Elephant Butte Dam for more birding. Take exit 83 on I-25 and follow signs to the State Park. As the park is a 90-minute drive from Socorro, you may want to stay the night before the trip in Truth or Consequences. We will be happy to send information on accommodations close to the tour site. The price of the tour is refundable if the weather is such that the trip has to be canceled. Be sure to note your dietary requirements on the meals page of the registration form. Warm clothing is recommended. Limit 14. Offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
*New*
Physiology of Migratory Birds L
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
FR-pmb $5 Macey Center, SocorroPlease join Quentin Hays, Wildlife Biologist and Assistant Professor of Science and Natural Resources at Eastern New Mexico University – Ruidoso, as he discusses the importance of stopover habitats and the remarkable physiology of birds that permits long-distance migration. Research into this subject has shed light on the importance of stopover and staging areas in their life history. The talk will focus on the marvels of long-distance migrations, the unique fat metabolism of migratory birds that allows continuous high-intensity exercise, and recent research into why birds break down protein as well as fat (hint: they need water!). Finally, this information will be translated into the real world, and the talk will shift to the critical importance of stopover and staging habitats as areas to be conserved if we hope to stem declines in populations of migratory birds. Limit 65.
Snow Goose Ecology L
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
FR-sge $5 Macey Center, SocorroFounded in 1937 for the protection of migrating and win tering sandhill cranes, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge has become one of the most important wetland complexes in the southwestern United States. Although the original purpose was for sandhill cranes, the Refuge benefits myriad migratory and resident wildlife species. During the wintering period one of the most spectacular visiting species is the light geese. However, the light geese are a relative new comer to Bosque del Apache NWR and with changes in their populations come new and challenging population management issues. In this presentation LMRD Biologist John Vradenburg will discuss the life history of the light geese that migrate through and winter in the Middle Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico. Topics will include breeding areas of this population, migration routes, foraging tactics, population dynamics, and management actions implemented for this population. Limit 25.
Quebradas Road Tour T
9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
FR-qrt $15 Meet at Macey Center parking lotTour the Quebradas Scenic Byway with staff from the Bureau of Land Management and New Mexico Tech. The tour covers 24 miles of dirt road through scenic areas with exposed geology. Stops will be made to look at specific geological features as well as the area’s flora and fauna. Wear sturdy shoes; bring drinks and a sack lunch. This is a primitive area with no facilities. Four wheel drive not required. Full clearance necessary. Meet in the Macey Center parking lot. Limit 12.
Sevilleta Geology Tour T
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
FR-sgt $20 Sevilleta NWRJoin Dr. Dave Johnson, geologist from New Mexico Tech on a cap tivating tour of the western portion of Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). On this incredible tour you will visit isolated scenic areas where the complex geology is strikingly exposed. Learn how geological processes shaped the Rio Grande Valley. Be sure to grab your camera for those spectacular shots of the awe inspiring landscape of Sevilleta NWR! This tour includes some easy to moderate walking over uneven terrain. Don’t forget your lunch and plenty of drinking water. Take I-25 north from Socorro to Exit 169 (Sevilleta NWR), turn west and go ¾ mile to the Refuge Visitor Center. Limit 20.
Refuge Birding Tour T
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
FR-rbt $10 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterThe Refuge Birding Tour focuses on the species that can be seen within the Bosque del Apache NWR. The exact tour route will depend on the distribution of birds on that day. Offered Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Limit 32.
Where the Buffalo Roam L
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
FR-wbr $5 Bosque Visitor CenterThe Armendaris Grant runs south from the Bosque del Apache NWR to below Truth or Consequences. Its 600 square miles encompass an entire mountain range, seven ghost towns, the oldest Spanish mine, a bat cave with the 4th largest bat population in the US, 3 frontier fort sites and the historic El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. Wildlife such as eagles, hawks, bats, antelope, mule deer and oryx are abundant as well as some desert bighorn sheep, Aplomado falcons, Bolson tortoises and black-tailed prairie dogs. And there are bison - lots of bison. Tom Waddell, the ranch manager, will give an informal presentation on the ranch, the bison and the research programs that are being carried out there. More fireside chat than lecture, this is an opportunity to gain insight into a fascinating place that is normally closed to the public. Limit 25.
Hike: Chupadera Peak H
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
FR-hcp $5 Meet at trailhead, BosqueJoin Friends’ president Lise Spargo and volunteer JR Seeger on a hike through the Chupadera Wilderness to the top of Chupadera Peak. This hike winds through typical Chihuahuan desert scrub habitat in its lower reaches, through a canyon of solidified volcanic ash, and finally to a panoramic view of the Bosque del Apache NWR and its surroundings. This hike is considered strenuous due to elevation gain. Please wear layered clothing, sturdy boots, and bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch. Also be prepared for changes in the weather. The hike will leave from the Chupadera Wilderness Trailhead one mile north of the Visitor Center off Hwy 1. If you have questions, contact Lise at lisespargo@aol.com Limit 15.
Fire Across Our Landscapes W
10:30 AM to 1:00 PM
FR-faol $5 Bosque Firehouse
Enhancing Wildlife Habitat - The NM Fire District with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service uses fire as a tool to benefit our habitat, wildlife and ecosystem on an annual basis throughout the state. Parameters such as vegetation, time of year, weather, location, and public use are considerations for implementing a prescribed burn (RX) to meet objectives. Join the NM Fire District for a presentation on how fire has a place on our landscapes. After a safety briefing, the NM Fire District personnel will demonstrate the many tools and equipment used (drip torch, flare guns, terra-torch, etc.). Weather permitting, there will be a demonstration with live fire techniques on an actual RX fire. Limit 20.
Loggerhead Shrikes L
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
FR-ls $5 Macey Center, SocorroThe Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) is a robin-sized, masked, hook-billed passerine that hunts like a small hawk, preying upon invertebrates, reptiles, small mammals and small birds. Known as the “butcher birds”, they impale their prey on sharp thorny vegetation or barbed wire. They occupy a broad geographic area and a wide variety of habitats across North America. A general decline over many different habitats and regions has aroused serious concern. Though this decline is often attributed to loss or degradation of habitat, reasons for decline are not clearly defined. Envirological Services, Inc. has been conducting a study on this amazing bird for the last 6 years, and would like to share with the audience many aspects of this bird’s striking beauty, unique biology and fascinating behavior. Limit 65.
*New*
Feral Hogs L
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
FR-fh $5 Macey Center, SocorroJoin Justin Stevenson a former federal wildlife disease biologist, from RD Wildlife Management, to learn about the threat of feral hogs. He has worked on grassroots eradication campaigns in Oregon and New Mexico. He continues the fight against this invader through consultation with state agencies, a dedicated feral hog website and public forums. Feral hogs continue their spread across New Mexico and the nation as a whole. Through human translocation and enormous reproductive capability, few areas remain safe from their destruction. They are omnivorous; impacting threatened and endangered species, ranging from small mammals and herpetofauna to ground nesting birds. We will cover their impacts (e.g., predation, disease, habitat alteration), techniques for control and political roadblocks. Understanding the tremendous destruction this invasive species brings to our native ecosystems is paramount to successful eradication. Limit 65.
Refuge Tour T
1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
FR-rt $5 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterThis is a rare opportunity to explore seldom-visited areas of the Refuge with your knowledgeable refuge staff tour guides. Aaron Mize (Acting Refuge Manager), your host, will help identify birds and explain how the land and water you see are managed to benefit wildlife. See spectacular views of cranes, geese, ducks and raptors, and perhaps even turkeys. Tours are offered Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Please note that, due to time constraints, participants remain on the bus for the 2+-hour tour. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot. Limit 35.
Songbirds of the Rio Grande Valley L
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
FR-srg $5 Macey Center, SocorroHave you ever seen a yellow-billed cuckoo? Or heard the hauntingly beautiful song of the hermit thrush? Did you know that it is possible to identify some birds by the sound of their feet scratching in the leaves? Some of the habitats of the riparian woodland along the river support incredibly high densities of birdlife, from common species to seldom seen or heard rarities. Other areas support tragically low numbers. Hawks Aloft’s Gail Garber will show some amazing photos and share fascinating information about the many birds found here and how they adapt to an ever-changing environment. Limit 65.
Owls of New Mexico L
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
FR-onm $5 Macey Center, SocorroOwls have captured the imagination of people worldwide for centuries. A certain amount of mystery accompanies these creatures as so many are very secretive and nocturnal as well. Join us for an entertaining light-hearted talk about the owls that reside in the Land of Enchantment. Envirological Services, Inc. will share lots of entertaining photos as well as the real deal--- live owls, educators and ambassadors for their species. All ages welcome! Limit 65.
Hike: Water in the Desert H
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
FR-hwid $5 Meet at Bosque Visitor CenterFrom cattail marshes to four-wing saltbush dry sandy desert, come enjoy a 1.5 mile leisurely nature walk with Cheryl Learn, volunteer naturalist. We will examine the range of plants that grow from the marsh up into the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. We also will be on the lookout for denizens of this beautiful area of Bosque del Apache such as migrating birds, waterfowl, possibly butterflies and dragonflies. We may even see animal tracks. Bring your binoculars, sunscreen, water, gloves, and hat and dress in layers. We meet at the Bosque Visitor Center and will carpool from there. Offered Friday and Saturday. Limit 12.
*New*
Old Mission Church Tour T
1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
FR-omct $5 San Miguel Mission, SocorroJoin volunteer Nick Keller as we visit six of the 10 mission churches in Socorro County. We will begin in San Antonio and proceed north along the river valley. At each stop we will talk about the history of each church, and visit each church that is open. These historic places are a testament to the faith of the early settlers to the area. Many were built by the community, and the land was donated by residents. We will travel by city bus through areas of the county on roads that offer a unique view of the agricultural quality of the area. Limit 22.
VLA Tour T
1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
FR-vla Free VLA, 52 miles west of SocorroThe Very Large Array (VLA) is a world-famous radio telescope consisting of 27 giant dish antennas spread across the Plains of San Agustin 50 miles west of Socorro. In this special tour, you will learn about the history, operation and mission of this National Science Foundation project while touring the visitor center and walking to the base of one of the 25-meter (82-feet) dishes. Take Highway 60 west from Socorro to Magdalena. Continue west for 19 miles. Turn south on Route 52 and follow signs to the VLA Visitor Center. Allow one hour travel time from Socorro. Limit 35. Offered Thursday and Friday.
Smith Museum Tour T
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM FR-smt2 $5
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM FR-smt3 $5
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM FR-smt4 $5
Socorro, Smith HouseThe Smith House in Socorro is the former home of Joseph Edward Smith, territorial photographer. He and his wife Elizabeth Ann (Myscie) Driver were given the home as a wedding present by the bride’s parents in 1886. From cowboys to businessmen, Smith photographed the lives of working people to show the West as it was. Along with the photos, the museum holds an archive of his equipment, written material and artifacts from the period. The home itself has been restored to its 1880’s vintage. Seven generations of Smiths have now lived in the home on Central Street. Suzanne Smith, the current resident is the great granddaughter of J.E. and Myscie Smith. She will guide you through the past with a personal accounting of the home and the Smith family. To reach the house, turn west on Hwy 60 off California Street, travel 3 blocks to Central, left on Central,
5th house on the right. Limit 8.
Hike: Rio Viejo H
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
FR-hrv $5 Rio Viejo Trailhead, BosqueThe Rio Viejo (Old River) Trail is a 2-mile long, flat walk along an old course of the Rio Grande. Join Vannetta Perry for this easy hike through the woods, where you may see mule deer, coyotes and pheasants among the native cottonwoods and screwbean mesquite. Limit 15. Meet at the trailhead.
Iris Passcal T
2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
FR-ip Free New Mexico Tech, Iris PasscalIRIS PASSCAL supports the exploration of the Earth’s crust, mantle and core to enhance fundamental understanding of earthquakes, volcanoes, crustal deformation, mantle convection, global geodynamics and the history of the continents. Learn about this fascinating area of research and watch earthquakes as they happen. Registration (free) is required. From Macey Center, turn right on Olive Lane, right on Canyon Road up the hill, then turn right at the bottom of the hill and follow the signs. Limit 18.
Life and Times of Rio Grande Raptors L
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
FR-ltr $5 Macey Center, SocorroThe sandhill crane and the golden eagle in a life and death encounter; fledgling Cooper’s hawks and American crows forming a juvenile pack; Swainson’s hawks feasting on bats; burrowing owls and ferruginous hawks sharing the same prairie dog towns: both predators but one also prey. Gail Garber and volunteers from Hawks Aloft will share real life stories and fascinating life histories of some of the raptors that call New Mexico home. They’ll bring several of their live educational raptors so you can get up close views and photographs, too. Limit 65.
*New*
Cranes 101 Workshop W
3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
FR-c101 $15 Bosque Visitor CenterJoin photojournalists, birders and adventurers, Erv Nichols and Sandra Noll for a basic workshop in the lives of sandhill cranes. Learn about crane biology and what to look for when crane-watching on the Refuge. Cranes are fascinating birds to watch once you understand their actions and calls. They will present in class interesting examples of behavior, migration, communication and facts about these fascinating birds all with a bit of humor and beautiful photos to boot! The class runs approximately 45 minutes followed by a field trip to fly- in for field observations and photo opportunities. Limit 30.
Walk In to Fly In T
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
FR-wifi $5 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterAs the shadows grow long and the sun begins to set, thou sands of geese and cranes return to the nighttime safety of the marshes at the Bosque. Meet at the Visitor Center parking lot for a short bus ride and walk to the roost area to view this spectacular scene. Wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly. Offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Limit 80.
*New*
Feature Event
Festival Social Bodega Style E
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
FR-fsbs $10 Bodega Restaurant, Socorro
Friday night fun with local music, fajita food bar and
25th anniversary collector’s beer or wine glass all for $10 cover. It’s Friday night, you’ve been up with the birds, and now it’s time to kick back and relax: good food, good music, good friends. You’ll find all of that and more at the Festival’s Social, sponsored this year by Bodega Burger Company. They’re opening their banquet room to welcome you, providing a fajita bar, local musicians, and a special collectible 25th Annual Festival of the Cranes beer or wine glass. Cover charge is $10 (please bring proof of age!) and a cash bar will be fully staffed and stocked. We will have New Mexico wines available for tasting and purchase. The Bodega is located at 606 N. California Street.
Star Party W
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
FR-sp Free NMT, Etscorn ObservatoryDr. Dan Klinglesmith and members of the New Mexico Tech Astronomy Club will assist you in using the telescopes at the Etscorn Campus Observatory and will answer your questions, as well as pointing out the wonders in the night sky. Restrooms are available. Dress warmly. Flashlights are not allowed unless equipped with red filter. Drop in between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Limit 200.
*New*
New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble E
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Adult FR-cpra $16
Senior (65 & over) FR-cprs $14
Youth (17 & under) FR-cpry $8 Macey Center Auditorium, SocorroThis multiple award winning company from Denver performs a dynamic body of work inspired by the African American experience and rooted in ethnic and modern dance traditions worldwide. They will perform FUSION, by Haitian choreographer Jeanguy Saintus, contrasting border tensions and cultural clashes with acts of compassion and love, set to the polyrhythmic language of traditional Haitian sacred movement; DREAM CATCHERS, illuminating the epic experi ences and adventures of historic visionaries of the Americas, uncovering lost stories that shape who we are today—to include stories from leaders such as Osceola (Seminole Chief), Yanga (African leader of a slave rebellion in Mexico) and Ximalma (first lady of the Mexica/Azteca migration and mythological mother of Quetzalcoatl), stories infused with valor, morality, social harmony, passion and adventure; WISDOM OF THE BAOBAB TREE; and BOLERO, among others. We will have a Club Macey social hour (5:30-7:30), $5 for non-members, and a Q&A following the performance.
Saturday, November 17th
Walk Out to Fly Out T
5:30 AM to 7:30 AM
SA-wofo $5 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterIt’s early, it’s dark, and it’s cold, but this is one event you shouldn’t miss. When thousands of cranes and geese take flight, the sight and sound is spectacular. Dress warmly and meet in the Visitor Center parking lot for a short bus ride and walk to the roosting area. Offered Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Limit 80.
*New*
Bosque without Borders L
8:00 AM to 9:30 AM
SA-bwb $5 Bosque Visitor CenterBosque del Apache may seem worlds away from places like Taiwan and Jordan, and not just on the map, but conservation and community building issues form that common thread that draws our worlds a little closer. During the last decade Refuge and Friends of Bosque del Apache staff have had the unique opportunity to work with wildlife protection, habitat enhancement, and community building efforts in different parts of the world. Join Refuge Ecologist Gina Dello Russo and Friends Executive Director Leigh Ann Vradenburg as they show you the efforts underway in distant Taiwan and Jordan and how those efforts compare to work at Bosque del Apache NWR. Focusing on degraded wetland or coastal systems, flyway stopover and wintering habitat for bird species, and economic development for their communities, these efforts are at different stages towards success and sustainability. These are just a few examples of the amazing work underway to protect birds and other wildlife in our complex world. Limit 20.
Mountain Birding T
8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
SA-mb $10 Meet at Macey Center Parking LotWhen you’re ready to go birding beyond the wetland habitat of the Bosque, the Magdalena Mountains are close by. This is a 1- to 2-mile bird walk/hike at 7000 feet. You may see, among others, acorn and hairy woodpeckers, western and mountain bluebirds, bushtits, white-breasted and pygmy nuthatches, ruby-crowned kinglets, and dark-eyed juncos. Sturdy shoes and layered clothing is advised. We’ll car pool from Macey Center parking lot. Offered Saturday and Sunday. Limit 30.
Refuge Birding Tour T
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
SA-rbt $10 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterThe Refuge Birding Tour focuses on the species that can be seen within the Bosque del Apache NWR. The exact tour route will depend on the distribution of birds on that day. Offered Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Limit 32.
Bosque Raptor Tour T
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
SA-brt $25 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterJoin members of Hawkwatch International to scout out raptors (and other birds) during this guided tour of the Bosque del Apache. Led by Helen Haskell, Tish Morris and other volunteers, participants can expect to see the best the Bosque has to offer in its open-to-the-public areas. Offered Saturday and Sunday. Meet at the Visitor Center bus stop. Limit 22.
Duck Banding Project W
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
SA-dbp Free Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterYou can help Refuge staff with a duck banding project. Every year the biologists participate in the Central Flyway project marking ducks so that their migratory patterns can be studied. They will catch the birds in a net earlier in the morning (don’t worry, it doesn’t harm the ducks at all), and then show you how to hold a duck and fit an identification band on its leg before you release it back into the water. We don’t know how many ducks will be cooperating (weather permitting as well!) so participation will be on a first come- first served basis. Meet at the bus stop at 9:00. Limit 24.
Geocaching W
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
SA-g $8 Macey Center, SocorroWhen you were young, did you ever want to look for Spanish gold, lost mines or pirate treasure? Do you enjoy learning about the history of a place? Do you like to get outside and see beautiful scenery, grand vistas, shady meadows? Well, maybe geocaching’s for you. Join geochacher Allan Sauter at the Macey Center and together you’ll find a few caches around Tech. Bring your GPS units, or if you don’t have one, we’ll share. Dress for spending some time outside. Limit 30.
*New*
Prairie Dogs in Peril L
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
SA-pdp $5 Macey Center, SocorroThe prairie dog (PD) is a keystone species integral to the life and well being of over 150 species of birds, animals, insects and plants. Their feeding and burrowing aerates the soil, stimulates optimal growth in prairie grasslands and provides habitat for burrowing owls plus other species. Once numbered in the billions, PDs have been reduced to less than 2% of their original numbers and are scattered in small groups throughout their diminished territory. James Trever from Prairie Dog Pals will discuss this catastrophic decline in numbers that has resulted from human urban sprawl, annual poisoning by the thousands and target contests or “sport” shooting by thoughtless individuals.Today, only five of eleven species still exist. This class shows how the PD and the prairies have declined and what we can do about it. Limit 65.
*New*
San Miguel Church Adobe Workshop W
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
SA-smcaw $45 San Miguel Parish Hall, SocorroThis workshop includes lectures on historical methods of adobe (mud brick) construction, horno (oven) building, and horno firing techniques. Samples of baked bread using a traditional horno bread recipe will be offered to participants. In addition, a lecture tour of Socorro’s 400 year old San Miguel Church will be presented emphasizing the history of adobe care and maintenance as required by the numerous New Mexico churches of this age. Participants may join in constructing a model “horno” using methods brought to the Socorro area during the Spanish colonization of New Mexico. Unique, sample adobe bricks will be available to participants. Raspberry or cherry cider from a local orchard, fresh baked bread and dipping sauces will be offered. It is recommended participants dress for the weather although some lectures will be held indoors. Limit 30.
Hike: Water in the Desert H
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
SA-hwid $5 Meet at Bosque Visitor CenterFrom cattail marshes to four-wing saltbush dry sandy desert, come enjoy a 1.5 mile leisurely nature walk with Cheryl Learn, volunteer naturalist. We will examine the range of plants that grow from the marsh up into the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. We also will be on the lookout for denizens of this beautiful area of Bosque del Apache such as migrating birds, waterfowl, possibly butterflies and dragonflies. We may even see animal tracks. Bring your binoculars, sunscreen, water, gloves, and hat and dress in layers. We meet at the Bosque Visitor Center and will carpool from there. Offered Friday and Saturday. Limit 12.
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes L
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
SA-wdr $5 Macey Center, SocorroDid you know that the western diamond-backed rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is the most common species of snake found on the Refuge??? Come find out about rattlesnake habitat, movement patterns, and winter den sites. For the past three years, Lorraine McInnes, Masters student at the University of New Mexico, has researched these topics. Snake activity and den locations were documented via radio telemetry to track snakes across the Refuge. She has observed these snakes in a variety of habitats, most surprisingly wet, cattail marshes!! Get hands on with tools of the trade, from snake tongs to radio antennas. Limit 65.
Hike: Indian Wells Wilderness H
11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
SA-hiww $5 Meet at Bosque Bus StopThis hike is a 2+ hour wander into the Indian Wells Wilderness Area, maintained by the Bosque Del Apache NWR. We are able to explore this undeveloped area only with the special approval of the Refuge’s manager. Join Friends’ President Lise Spargo and volunteer JR Seeger at the Visitor Center as a bus will meet us and take us to the Canyon Trail parking lot. Following Canyon Trail, about a half mile north of marker 9 we will leave the marked trail and head WNW into the Wilderness Area. There is no formal trail for the next 1.5 miles, but participants will be guided toward the north and west into a series of deep cut arroyos, returning to the Canyon Trail at marker 11. There are several short, steep scrambles during the hike. The bus will return us to the Visitor Center. A day pack with water and food as well as hiking boots with good ankle support are strongly recommended. Total distance: approximately 2.5 miles. Elevation change is from 4500’ at the start to 4750’ at the highest point in the hike. Limit 15.
*New*
Afternoon with the Cranes W
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
SA-awc $40 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterSpend a fascinating afternoon learning about our sandhill cranes with some of the best experts in the west. Most people see a group of cranes and wonder what they are doing - after this workshop, you’ll be able to tell them. You’ll learn about dancing, their calls, the different subspecies, and even stories about the introduction of the Whooping Crane here over 25 years ago. Join crane experts Paul Tebbel, Keanna Leonard, Erv Nichols and Sandra Noll for this rare opportunity to learn about cranes, the Refuge and how we care for cranes from those who know best. Limit 28.
*New*
Historic Bosque W
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
SA-hb $5 Bosque Visitor CenterIn this slideshow/lecture Robyn Harrison, author of Bosque del Apache: A Brief History, will lead you through the history of the land encompassed by the Refuge today, exploring its natural and cultural past and its time as an official refuge. You’ll hear stories that didn’t make it into the book, meet some interesting characters and learn some little known facts about the winter home of the sandhill cranes. Limit 25.
*New*
Birds of the Bosque L
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
SA-bob $5 Macey Center, SocorroJoin Volunteers Jason Kittling and Raymond VanBuskirk for a look at a number of the birds that spend the winter at Bosque del Apache. They will talk about the habits and ecology of many birds and will review identification tips and techniques. You will listen to some common bird calls, and they will share some tips about how to distinguish look alike species. Limit 65.
*New*
New Mexico Living Diversity L
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
SA-nmld $5 Macey Center, SocorroThis slide-illustrated program speaks to New Mexico’s biodiversity and will explain how our landscapes have evolved and why they occur where they do. New Mexico is third among states for greatest natural diversity, exceeded only by Texas and California. Join author, naturalist, professional nature photographer Bill Dunmire as he answers such questions as “Why does the countryside around Las Cruces look so different from that surrounding Albuquerque, Taos, or Farmington?” The 45-minute long presentation takes viewers to the four corners of our state, focusing on New Mexico’s six ecoregions: our two deserts, two major grasslands, the pinyon-juniper woodlands, and our montane forests. The program constitutes a layman’s ecology of New Mexico illustrated with electrifying color photographs. Limit 65.
Hike: Canyon Trail H
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
SA-hct $5 Meet at trailhead, Bosque
Local naturalist Vannetta Perry will lead the group on a 2.3 mile round trip along the wide and very sandy Solitude Arroyo and through a fascinating narrow canyon. The canyon is replete with geologically interesting formations from Tertiary time, several million years before the Rio Grande existed. Evidences of eruptions, floods, and desert dunes are there for all to see. Meet at the Canyon Trailhead 1/2 mile south of the Bosque Visitor Center on Hwy 1. Note: because of the sand and elevation change this hike is “Moderate”; definitely not “Easy.” Limit 15.
The Sandia Rosy-Finch Project L
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
SA-srfp $5 Macey Center, SocorroAll three species of rosy-finches--brown-capped, black, and gray-crowned--visit the Sandia Crest near Albuquerque every winter. For the past seven years Raymond VanBuskirk and Michael Hilchey have been heading up the Sandia Rosy-Finch Project to study the winter ecology of these elusive species. Join Michael and Raymond as they present an overview of their research project which has been featured in the National Audubon Magazine. Limit 65.
*New* Special Event
Coffee Dessert and Cranes Fly In T
3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
SA-cdc $85 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterWhat better way to experience a fascinating fly-in than in the company of the best sandhill crane experts in the west and the Friends who are supporting our Refuge? In a prime location an exclusive group will experience the WOW of the Refuge. New Mexico coffees, chocolates and desserts will be our fare as we chat and watch 1000’s of these elegant birds return from the fields for the evening. If you would like one- on-one discussions about the birds and their habitats Paul Tebbel, Keanna Leonard, Erv Nichols and Sandra Noll will be on hand for this unique opportunity. The Friends of the Bosque President Lise Spargo and Executive Director Leigh Ann Vradenburg will also be available to discuss how the Friends and your registration dollars are making the Refuge a better place for wildlife and wildlife lovers. Special appearances by Refuge Biologist Ashley Inslee and Acting Refuge Manager Aaron Mize, and Keynote Speaker Lynn Greenwalt will enhance the experience. Limit 25.
Walk In to Fly In T
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
SA-wifi $5 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterAs the shadows grow long and the sun begins to set, thousands of geese and cranes return to the nighttime safety of the marshes at the Bosque. Meet at the Visitor Center parking lot for a short bus ride and walk to the roost area to view this spectacular scene. Wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly. Offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Limit 80.
*New*
Feature Event
Keynote: Lynn Greenwalt L
8:00PM to 9:30 PM
SA-klg $5 Macey Center, SocorroIt All Began 25 Million Years Ago
Lynn Greenwalt was assigned to be the assistant refuge man ager of the Bosque del Apache Refuge in 1958. His long career with the Fish and Wildlife Service included more than seven years as director of the agency. He later served as a senior official in the non-profit National Wildlife Federation. These experiences have given Lynn unique views of the Nation’s struggle to give proper attention to its rich fish and wildlife resources and traditions.
At the 25th Annual Festival of the Cranes he will talk about what the Bosque area once was and how it has changed, and how the refuge and its more than 550 companion pieces fit together. He will outline the innovative ways members of the public help support and improve many individual refuges.
The people of the Fish and Wildlife Service are the reason the organization is one of the premier land and resource management agencies in the U.S. – and beyond. He will share with the audience his own enthusiasm for what has been done here, and for a greater understanding of the truly priceless public treasures these places and the wildlife resources they support have become.
Sunday, November 18th
Walk Out to Fly Out T
5:30 AM to 7:30 AM
SU-wofo $5 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterIt’s early, it’s dark, and it’s cold, but this is one event you shouldn’t miss. When thousands of cranes and geese take flight, the sight and sound is spectacular. Dress warmly and meet in the Visitor Center parking lot for a short bus ride and walk to the roosting area. Offered Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Limit 80.
Mountain Birding T
8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
SU-mb $10 Meet at Macey Center Parking LotWhen you’re ready to go birding beyond the wetland habitat of the Bosque, the Magdalena Mountains are close by. This is a 1- to 2-mile bird walk/hike at 7000 feet. You may see, among others, acorn and hairy woodpeckers, western and mountain bluebirds, bushtits, white-breasted and pygmy nuthatches, buby-crowned kinglets, and dark-eyed juncos. Sturdy shoes and layered clothing is advised. We’ll car pool from Macey Center parking lot. Offered Saturday and Sunday. Limit 30.
Refuge Birding Tour T
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
SU-rbt $10 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterThe Refuge Birding Tour focuses on the species that can be seen within the Bosque del Apache NWR. The exact tour route will depend on the distribution of birds on that day. Offered Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Limit 32.
Junior Naturalist Tour T
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
SU-jnt Free Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterChildren ages 5 to 12 are invited to join our naturalist for a special tour of the Refuge. Depending on weather and habitat conditions, children may take a short hike, may use nets to catch critters in the marsh, and may see pack rat nests and beaver activity. Parents and siblings are welcome. A parent must accompany their children. Meet in the Visitor Center Parking Lot. Limit 15
Bosque Raptor Tour T
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
SU-brt $25 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterJoin members of Hawkwatch International to scout out raptors (and other birds) during this guided tour of the Bosque del Apache. Led by Helen Haskell, Tish Morris and other volunteers, participants can expect to see the best the Bosque has to offer in its open-to-the-public areas. Offered Saturday and Sunday. Meet at the Visitor Center bus stop. Limit 22.
Hike: El Camino Real H
9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
SU-hecr $5 El Camino Heritage CenterThe Camino Real hike will start/finish at the El Camino Real International Heritage Center (IHC) which is located on the IHC road off NM Highway 1 approximately 1 mile south of exit 115 on I-25. Hike with Friend’s President Lise Spargo and volunteer JR Seeger along a well maintained BLM hiking trail that is approximately 10km (6.2 miles) long, taking 3 ½ to 4 hours to complete. The trail meanders through the high desert ridgeline that over- looks the Rio Grande and ends at an overlook point that allows excellent views of a native Rio Grande riverine habitat to the south and Mesa Contadera, Ft. Craig, and the Val Verde Civil War Battlefield to the north. The trail offers a look at a high desert biome and rock exposures that show the diverse geology of the region. This is a moderately strenuous hike with minimal elevation change (no more than 300’) through the length of the hike. While the trail is well marked and well maintained, it is not wheelchair or stroller friendly. Wear comfortable clothes, light hiking boots or running shoes and bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Tennis shoes or sandals are not appropriate for this hike because of the terrain and the presence of cactus along the trail. You may want to bring lunch to eat after the hike and then explore the El Camino Heritage Center in the afternoon. Limit 15.
Orienteering W
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
SU-o $5 Bosque Visitor CenterOrienteering is the practice of navigating over land using a map and compass. It has become a competitive sport and is a fun way of learning route finding and problem solving. Participants will have an introduction to topographic maps and use of a compass and then be taken out into the field to try some hands-on orienteering activities. If you have a compass, bring it. We will have some to loan as well as some for sale. This is a great activity for families. Scott Roberts is an experienced orienteering instructor. Limit 20.
Hike: Mesa Trail H
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
SU-hmt $5 Meet at Macey Center Parking LotMeet guide Vannetta Perry at the Macey Center parking lot to carpool to the trail head in Water Canyon west of Socorro in the Magdalena Mountains. The 4.75 miles long trail begins the ascent of Water Canyon Mesa from an elevation of 6,800 feet at the trail head. The hike is considered moderate, though the climb and descent are an 11% grade with switchbacks to an elevation of 8,200 feet. The trail travels through ponderosa pine mixed with piñon, juniper and grey oak. Along the upper reaches you will walk among Douglas fir, white fir, Gambel oak and mountain mahogany. Atop the mesa you will be rewarded with vistas of the Rio Grande Valley and the higher plains north of Highway 60 and perhaps see some deer, elk and other wildlife as well. The trail is rocky in places so a walking stick is recommended. Limit 15.
Refuge Tour T
12:00 PM to 2:30 PM
SU-rt $5 Bus Stop, Bosque Visitor CenterThis is a rare opportunity to explore seldom-visited areas of the Refuge with your knowledgeable refuge staff tour guides. Dennis Vicente, your host, will help identify birds and explain how the land and water you see are managed to benefit wildlife. See spectacular views of cranes, geese, ducks and rap tors, and perhaps even turkeys. Tours are offered Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Please note that, due to time constraints, participants remain on the bus for the 2+-hour tour. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot. Limit 35.
Friends of the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
All Photos & Graphics are under copyright by the Photographers & Artists, All Rights Reserved
