Bosque del Apache – More Than Just Cranes

 

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge near San Antonio, New Mexico is known worldwide as the wintering grounds for the Sandhill Crane and Snow Geese. Most birders and bird photographers have made at least one visit to Bosque to experience the 10,000 plus cranes and 40,000 snow geese.

But Bosque is more than just cranes and snow geese. It is also home to a vast variety of birds and wildlife. In a recent trip, I was fortunate to see and photograph other species:

American Coot

Coot A Coming

American Kestrel

American Kestrel

Wigeon

American Wigeon

Gambel Quail

Gambel Quail

Northern Pintail

Pintail In A Panic

Norther Shovelers

Female Northern Shoveler

Male Northern Shoveler

Northern Shoveler in Gold

Northern Shoveler Landing

 

Snow Geese

Snow Geese Triple

Snow Goose Solo

Snow Geese Double

Ghost of the Goose

Thousands of Snow Geese fly in from surrounding fields to roost for the night on the shallow ponds at Bosque. The water will keep them safe from predators.

See the video of Snow Geese roosting for the night:

 

And, finally, of course, the Sandhill Cranes

See video of cranes foraging in the golden sunrise:

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

However, the one image that I am most proud, is one that was the most difficult to capture and I tried oh so many times:

Feathery Reflection

 

What do you think?

 

Story on a previous visit to Bosque del Apache:

Bosque del Apache

 

And a thank you to Russ Burden for being the guide for this trip. www.russburdenphotography.com

Hope that you enjoy,

Rich

~ by richardseeley on January 31, 2015.