Night Photography at the Very Large Array

3:15pm - 9:30pm, Tuesday, December 5
Parking Lot | Macey Center
Lisa Langell

For full description on this workshop please view the link below.

Photo by Jeff Faulkner

Walk Out to Fly Out

5:15am - 7:30am, Wednesday, December 6
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
USFWS Staff

It’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 sights and sounds are spectacular! Meet at the visitor center bus stop for a short bus ride and walk to the roost area to view this spectacular scene. Wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly. Often there are seats on the bus for walk-ons, though this is not guaranteed. This tour will include light walking.

Photo by Jonathan Dowell

Morning with the Cranes

5:15am - 11:00am, Wednesday, December 6
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Paul Tebbel & Keanna Leonard

As the night slowly becomes day, you will join guides Paul Tebbel and Keanna Leonard at the edge of a wetland to watch and listen as the cranes awaken. There is no better time to pick out different vocalizations, see body language and learn about the different life histories of the lesser, and greater sandhill cranes. You’ll learn more about the crane’s life history plus how to recognize juveniles, identify the different subspecies, distinguish between dancing and aggression, and many other details that will help you better understand and appreciate sandhill cranes. This workshop is geared towards first-time viewers, but even experienced crane watchers will learn much. This tour was first offered in 2001 and, except for Covid breaks, is now in its 21st year.Your guides have over sixty years combined experience with cranes and leading tours. Warm shoes and warm, layered clothing are recommended.

Photo by Beverley Sinclair

The Environmental Animal Portrait - Creating Dynamic Imagery in the Field

6:00am - 9:30am, Wednesday, December 6
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Rebecca Gaal
Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, nothing is more inspiring than spending time in nature. Together we will explore aspects of the unique New Mexico landscape and creative ways to make an image that’s uniquely yours. As cranes come and go and animals forage, we’ll practice working with natural lighting conditions and in-the-field techniques to capture the beauty of the land and its inhabitants. This session is meant to expand/push your current practice by inviting you to try a slew of creative tips and tricks, explore different autofocus techniques, and, most importantly, learn to tune into animal behavior to inform your photography. A Fujifilm Tech will be available with some Fujifilm X/GFX loaner gear, and to assist with any questions.

* All levels class

Photo by Rebecca Gaal

Learning the Language of Birds

9:00am - 10:30am, Wednesday, December 6
Theater | Macey Center
Holly Merker

When a bird sings or calls, it’s telling you who it is and where it is. Increase your chances of successfully sighting and identifying birds “by ear” using Holly’s intriguing strategies. Learn how, why, and when birds sing, and come away with foundational skills for learning, understanding and using bird language on your next birdwatching outing or around your own neighborhood. Some outdoor exploration of sound will take place as part of the workshop, so please bring what you need to be outdoors for around 30 minutes.

Photo by Susan Croyle

Birds & Macro Photography

9:00am - 11:30am, Wednesday, December 6
The Desert Arboretum
Steve Ball

We will explore the many photo opportunities found in the refuge’s Desert Arboretum. You will learn how to set yourself up for success by finding the best light and the best backgrounds for bird photos. In addition, this hidden gem behind the visitor center provides great settings for macro photography, so you will learn how to get the best results. All makes of cameras are welcome; however, we will highlight some of the features exclusive to the OM System cameras, such as in-camera Focus Stacking and Pro Capture.

Photo by Steve Ball

Field Raptor ID

9:45am - 12:30pm, Wednesday, December 6
Bus Stop | Bosque Del Apache Visitor Center
James Petersen

In this workshop, we will review the species of raptors that winter in Bosque del Apache and learn how to identify them from both close and far away. For each raptor we find, we will learn how to eliminate the other raptor species and what field marks to key in on to identify the bird.

Photo by Susan Croyle

Crane Basics

11:00am - 12:30pm, Wednesday, December 6
Theater | Macey Center
Ery Nichols & Sandra Noll

When watching a group of sandhill cranes, did you ever wish that you knew more about these elegant birds, what they’re doing and why? Crane Basics is your opportunity to learn more about crane biology and behavior. You will gain insights into crane migration, family life, body language and vocalizations through our photographs and captivating video. It’s knowledge that will significantly enhance your crane watching experience!

Photo by Nancy Howard

Benefits of Micro Four-Thirds Cameras for Wildlife and Bird Photography

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm, Wednesday, December 6
Theatre | Macey Center
Mark Buckler

All bird and wildlife photographers should consider the benefits of micro four-thirds cameras, like OM System (formerly Olympus), over other camera systems. Without sacrificing image quality, OM System offers smaller and lighter camera bodies, more compact and lighter lenses, and specialty features—all at significantly less cost. After seventeen years of using another company’s camera gear, four years ago Mark Buckler switched to using OM System, and he doesn’t regret a single thing. He will share his images and experiences using OM System while demonstrating its significant benefits.

Photo by Mark Buckler.

Mindful Birding

12:45pm - 3:30pm, Wednesday, December 6
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Holly Merker

Mindful Birding combines observing birds with mindfulness techniques, creating a practice that incorporates a heightened awareness. Labeling or identifying birds is not the primary focus; instead, the intention is slowing down and noticing, using birds as our guides.

Through guided instruction, we'll practice simple mindfulness exercises that will engage our sensory awareness while intentionally tuning into the birds surrounding us. Techniques and prompts called “orntiherapy explorations” will accompany the gently guided walk and sit spots. Ornitherapy explorations enhance our observation skills, promoting a deepening of our experiences with the birds around us. This in turn amplifies the multitude of benefits birds provide to our overall wellness. To increase observation, awareness, and take-away techniques to use wherever life takes them, each participant will receive an ornitherapy journal.

Photo by Pam Dorner

The Environmental Animal Portrait - Creating Dynamic Imagery in the Field

1:30pm - 5:30pm, Wednesday, December 6
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Rebecca Gaal
Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, nothing is more inspiring than spending time in nature. Together we will explore aspects of the unique New Mexico landscape and creative ways to make an image that’s uniquely yours. As cranes come and go and animals forage, we’ll practice working with natural lighting conditions and in-the-field techniques to capture the beauty of the land and its inhabitants. This session is meant to expand/push your current practice by inviting you to try a slew of creative tips and tricks, explore different autofocus techniques, and, most importantly, learn to tune into animal behavior to inform your photography. A Fujifilm Tech will be available with some Fujifilm X/GFX loaner gear, and to assist with any questions.

* All levels class

Photo by Rebecca Gaal

Waterfowl

1:45pm - 5:30pm, Wednesday, December 6
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
James Petersen

From the graceful but quick flight style of northern pintails to the diminutive green-winged teals to the large, long-beaked silhouette of canvasbacks to the smaller redheads, the variety of waterfowl species that call Bosque del Apache their winter home is vast. Many of these waterfowl make up mixed flocks that can make identifying them a challenging prospect. In this field course, we will go over, identify, and compare the many species of waterfowl that make their winter home at Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

Photo by Vicki Wilmarth

Night Photography at the Very Large Array

3:15pm - 9:30pm, Wednesday, December 6
Parking Lot | Macey Center
Lisa Langell

For the full description on this workshop please scroll down and click the link that is listed at the end of the Wednesday classes.

Photo by Jeff Faulkner

Walk In to Fly In

4:15pm - 5:45pm, Wednesday, December 6
Bus Stop | Bosque Del Apache Visitor Center
USFWS Staff

As the shadows grow long and the sun begins to set, thousands of geese and cranes return to the nighttime safety of the wetlands on the refuge. Meet at the visitor center bus stop for a short bus ride and short walk to the roost area to view this spectacular scene. Wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly.

Photo by Rinus Baak

Morning With the Cranes

5:15am - 11:00am, Wednesday, December 6
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Paul Tebbel & Keanna Leonard

As the night slowly becomes day, you will join guides Paul Tebbel and Keanna Leonard at the edge of a wetland to watch and listen as the cranes awaken. There is no better time to pick out different vocalizations, see body language and learn about the different life histories of the lesser, and greater sandhill cranes. You’ll learn more about the crane’s life history plus how to recognize juveniles, identify the different subspecies, distinguish between dancing and aggression, and many other details that will help you better understand and appreciate sandhill cranes. This workshop is geared towards first-time viewers, but even experienced crane watchers will learn much. This tour was first offered in 2001 and, except for Covid breaks, is now in its 21st year.Your guides have over sixty years combined experience with cranes and leading tours. Warm shoes and warm, layered clothing are recommended.

Photo by Beverley Sinclair

A Morning at Bosque del Apache: Photography

5:30am - 9:30am, Thursday, December 7
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Maresa Luzier

Memories are made at Bosque del Apache by photographing the lift-off of thousands of geese and sandhill cranes at dawn. Maresa will guide you to the flight deck before dawn to set up for twilight and first light images of the birds as they take flight. Then she will guide you to the roosting ponds to catch the birds leaving to feed for the day. You can experience the morning colors of New Mexico and the winter migration of ducks, geese, and sandhill cranes. Participants should bring a tripod and a headlamp with a red setting.

Photo by Maresa Luzier

The Environmental Animal Portrait - Creating Dynamic Imagery in the Field

6:00am - 9:30am, Thursday, December 7
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Rebecca Gaal
Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, nothing is more inspiring than spending time in nature. Together we will explore aspects of the unique New Mexico landscape and creative ways to make an image that’s uniquely yours. As cranes come and go and animals forage, we’ll practice working with natural lighting conditions and in-the-field techniques to capture the beauty of the land and its inhabitants. This session is meant to expand/push your current practice by inviting you to try a slew of creative tips and tricks, explore different autofocus techniques, and, most importantly, learn to tune into animal behavior to inform your photography. A Fujifilm Tech will be available with some Fujifilm X/GFX loaner gear, and to assist with any questions.

* All levels class

Photo by Rebecca Gaal

Refuge Tour

8:00am - 10:30am, Thursday, December 7
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
USFWS Staff

One of the most heavily managed refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, Bosque del Apache is a part-time home to hundreds of species and a year-round home to hundreds more! Join Bosque del Apache staff on a tour of the refuge to learn how water is used and moved and how the land is managed for winter waterbirds and imperiled species at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

Photo by Rinus Baak

Deadly Beauty Behavior

8:00am - 11:00am, Thursday, December 7
San Antonio | Owl Bar Cafe
Matt Mitchell

Experience live raptors in the field! Join falconer, raptor breeder, and wildlife rehabilitator Matthew Mitchell and explore the strategies hawks and falcons use to catch their prey and raise their young. Matt will release trained hawks and falcons who will fly, chase lures, and possibly even hunt wild prey, such as rabbits and ducks (viewers be warned!). Meet at the west side of the Owl Bar in San Antonio at 8:00 a.m. and carpool a short distance to an area where the birds can fly and hunt safely. Bring your questions and binoculars. This tour involves light walking. Cameras are allowed, but no dogs, please.

Photo by Dan Kee

Winter Raptors of the Southwest: Strategies for Better Field ID

9:00am - 10:30am, Thursday, December 7
Theater | Macey Center
Alex Harper

Despite their sizes, birds of prey are considered to be some of the most challenging birds to identify in the field. This is because plumage can be variable in some species, and birds often appear different depending on what they are doing. Sometimes birds are observed from a great distance, and only shape and behavior may be available to the observer.
In this course, seasoned hawk watcher and field biologist Alex Harper will share some of the tips and tricks he has learned over the years to identify birds of prey at migratory locations and throughout North America. Of course, behavior and habitat are linked to how a bird makes a living in the world; so, Alex will touch on hunting strategies and diet to give you a deeper understanding of the context in which you may find birds of prey. Identification is likened to solving a puzzle: the more pieces you have, the easier it is to get a fuller picture of the birds that you seek out. Alex will accompany his lecture with a slideshow presentation.

Photo by Vicki Wilmarth

Simple Ways to Transform Idle Acreage into Crane Habitat

9:00am - 10:30am, Thursday, December 7
Copper | Macey Center
Rick and Susanlily Barclay

Have you ever thought about creating a habitat for sandhill cranes? Then join Rick and Susanlily Barclay as they share information that will help you do just that. Daily from mid-October through late-March, hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of sandhill cranes visit their thirty-two-acre Polvadera, New Mexico, property: Cranehaven Wild Bird Sanctuary and Nature Preserve.
From protection to food and water to habitat, Rick and Susanlily have learned and recommend some necessary things that you can do to attract sandhill cranes to your land and have them consider it their own.

Photo by Ralph Smith

Extraordinary Bird and Wildlife Photography

10:00 am - 11:30 am, Thursday, December 7
Galena | Macey Center
Mark Buckler

This learning adventure will teach you how to make extraordinary wildlife photos, rather than just taking snapshots of the species that you see. Mark Buckler, renowned wildlife photographer (and former wildlife biologist), will share his secrets to creating extraordinary wildlife photos and provide you with the tools that you need to make more interesting and compelling images. Through a flurry of tips, this session will concentrate on field techniques, camera settings, photographic concepts, field strategies, and the many other
considerations that come into play while out in nature.

Photo by Mark Buckler.

Photographing Birds & Nature in High Key Style

11:00am - 12:30pm, Thursday, December 7
Theatre | Macey Center
Lisa Langell

High key photography is a powerful, evocative, and often ethereal type of photography. It involves creating images where there is a dominance of white or bright tones. For nature photography, it is a type of photography that goes against most traditional styles and rules of nature photography. The magic of High Key photography requires the right circumstances—the right light, subject, and setting—to work.
When it all comes together, the results can be spectacular! This class will introduce participants to the genre of High Key photography, one of the most artistic forms of nature photography that can be done in-camera and/or a combination of in-camera and post-processing.
You will learn the following: what lighting conditions are best (and worst) for high-key photography; the settings that are generally recommended for creating high-key work; what foregrounds and backgrounds work best for high key photography; composition tips for this style of photography; and post-processing tips to create the final look.

Photo by Lisa Langell

Taking Bird Photography to the Next Level: Improving Composition

11:30am - 1:00pm, Thursday, December 7
Copper | Macey Center
Steve Ball

You have the right bird in the right light, now how do you compose the image to get the best results? We will cover the rules on composition and learn when to break them. You will learn when to shoot vertically versus horizontally, and how different shooting positions can change the look of your image. We will cover “doing it right” with plenty of examples showing how to improve those shots that are just a bit off. Open to all photographers looking to improve their final image.

Photo by Steve Ball

Biomimicry in Birds and Butterflies

1:00pm - 2:30pm, Thursday, December 7
Theater | Macey Center
Mostafa Hassanalian

During the millions of years of evolution, nature has developed processes, objects, materials, and functions to increase efficiency. Through biomimicry and inspiration from this treasure trove, engineers and biologists are learning from biological insights. Sometimes, looking at nature provides us the best answers for the development and optimization of different types of engineering systems. Nature always has effective solutions for many complex tasks in different engineering systems, such as energy, locomotion, navigation, control, sensing, and design. The growing science of biomimicry focuses on what engineers can learn about efficient solutions for engineering systems that nature has spent millions of years refining. As an example, one of the interesting aspects of avian flight dynamics is how natural flyers, such as birds and insects, can deform their shape to optimize their flight in different flight modes. Therefore, the concept of morphing structures for aerial vehicles originated from the observation of birds as they fly.

Photo by Mostafa Hassanalian

Birding by Behavior

1:00pm - 3:30pm, Thursday, December 7
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Holly Merker

Like a good movie or TV show, watching birds can distract us from what’s going on in our own lives, providing entertainment but also a mental recharge from our own hectic worlds. Moreover, bird behaviors and patterns can be some of the best keys to unlocking the secrets to identification and help us quicken our skills and learn skills used by all birding experts. During this workshop, Bosque del Apache sets the stage for front-row viewing of dynamic behaviors of birds as we explore and learn together, adding new tools to our bird ID toolkits.

Photo by Ward Conaway

Refuge Tour

1:00pm - 3:30pm, Thursday, December 7
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
USFWS Staff

One of the most heavily managed refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, Bosque del Apache is a part-time home to hundreds of species and a year-round home to hundreds more! Join Bosque del Apache staff on a tour of the refuge to learn how water is used and moved and how the land is managed for winter waterbirds and imperiled species at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

Photo by Pattie Freeman

Private Lives of Sandhill Cranes

1:30pm - 3:00pm, Thursday, December 7
Theater | Macey Center
Paul Tebbel & Keanna Leonard

Want to make your crane viewing experience more enjoyable? Then this is the program for you! In this fun, interactive mini-workshop, Paul Tebbel and Keanna Leonard will help you explore many of the common vocalizations, body language, and other characteristics of sandhill cranes. You’ll learn to recognize juveniles and subspecies, distinguish between dancing and aggression, and many other details that will help you better understand and appreciate sandhill cranes.

Photo by Steven Aicinena

Panning, Implied Motion, & ICM: The Art of Slow-Shutter Bird & Nature Photography

1:45pm - 5:30pm, Thursday, December 7
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Lisa Langell

The ethereal, gauzy, and painterly look of panning, implied-motion, and intentional camera movement (ICM) all involves slowing the shutter down. Lisa Langell adores this type of photography and will teach you her secrets to success! Get ready—this type of photography is both challenging and rewarding! It requires the right light, weather, equipment, technique, and a bit of luck! Lisa will teach you the techniques that produce this highly desirable alternative to the classic tack sharp wings of traditional bird photography; plus we will photograph nature in creative ways using these fun techniques. Bring out your artistic side and capture images with flair and artistry!


Equipment: DSLR or Mirrorless camera, zoom lens (e.g., a zoom or prime lens with a maximum reach of 400mm or more), tripod (optional), polarizer or neutral density filter (optional, but recommended), and your camera’s manual.
Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced

Photo by Lisa Langell

Evening with the Cranes

3:15pm - 5:45pm, Thursday, December 7
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Sandra Noll & Erv Nichols

If you want a comprehensive sandhill crane experience and love sunsets, an "Evening with the Cranes" is perfect for you! Sandra Noll and Erv Nichols provide a personalized experience for those observing cranes for the first time as well as for veteran crane watchers. The tour begins indoors with a 30 minute overview of sandhill crane biology and behavior - "Crane Basics" - followed by direct field observations of cranes foraging and moving about the refuge. You will develop skill in recognizing individuals within crane families and understanding a variety of their communications (both vocal and body-language), and habitats. The tour concludes with the sandhill cranes’ “fly-in” to a refuge hot spot where they will roost for the night. With any luck, fly-in will take place against the backdrop of a glorious New Mexico sunset!

Photo by Erv Nichols

Friends Annual Dinner - Beef Selection

5:30pm - 7:30pm, Thursday, December 7
Bodega | Socorro
Beef Dinner

Mingle, share your stories about your first and second day of Festival, connect with old friends and meet new ones as we present a slideshow with the photo contest entries and winners in our Festival 2023 Photography Contest. The banquet provides you the opportunity to meet the Friends Board and Friends members in an informal setting. Dinner includes a complimentary ticket to the keynote presentation at 7:30 p.m. Cash bar opens at 5:30 p.m. Dinner commences around 6:00 p.m.; be sure to make your dinner selection when you register. Dress is casual. At the culmination of the dinner, we’ll present the Martha Hatch Volunteer of the Year Award to a deserving and unsuspecting nominee who has made outstanding volunteer contributions to the Friends of Bosque del Apache and to the refuge.

Select this session for Beef meal option. See next two sessions below for other meal options.

Friends Annual Dinner - Chicken Selection

5:30pm - 7:30pm, Thursday, December 7
Bodega | Socorro
Chicken Dinner

Select this session for Chicken meal option. See sessions below or above for other meal options.

Friends Annual Dinner - Vegetarian Selection

5:30pm - 7:30pm, Thursday, December 7
Bodega | Socorro
Vegetarian Pasta Dinner

Select this session for the Vegetarian Pasta meal option. See sessions above for other meal options.

Fifty Years of Crane Conservation

7:30pm - 8:45pm, Thursday, December 7
Bodega | Socorro
Dr. Richard Beilfuss

Cranes, with their deep cultural connections, ecological sensitivity, and dramatic migrations, serve as flagships, indicators, and ambassadors for conservation on five continents. Cranes also are among the most endangered families of birds in the world, with long-term impacts from wetland and grassland destruction, water diversion and regulation, climate change, fires, invasive species, illegal trade, shootings, and other threats. We will share lessons from fifty years of conservation action, inspiring innovative ways forward to recover endangered crane populations and promote healthy wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural lands through the charisma of cranes. We’ll explore how cranes can bring people together, from communities to countries, to support more sustainable lands, waters, and livelihoods in Asia, Africa, and North America. We’ll also reflect on what it will take to fully recover whooping cranes from the brink of extinction and keep sandhill cranes on their successful path.

Morning with the Cranes

5:15am - 11:00am, Wednesday, December 6
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Paul Tebbel & Keanna Leonard

As the night slowly becomes day, you will join guides Paul Tebbel and Keanna Leonard at the edge of a wetland to watch and listen as the cranes awaken. There is no better time to pick out different vocalizations, see body language and learn about the different life histories of the lesser, and greater sandhill cranes. You’ll learn more about the crane’s life history plus how to recognize juveniles, identify the different subspecies, distinguish between dancing and aggression, and many other details that will help you better understand and appreciate sandhill cranes. This workshop is geared towards first-time viewers, but even experienced crane watchers will learn much. This tour was first offered in 2001 and, except for Covid breaks, is now in its 21st year.Your guides have over sixty years combined experience with cranes and leading tours. Warm shoes and warm, layered clothing are recommended.

Photo by Beverley Sinclair

Cranes in Flight

6:00am - 9:30am, Friday, December 8
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Maresa Luzier

Cranes are one of the most elegant birds in flight, so Maresa will show everyone how to work with motion by using slow shutter speeds to bring out the wing patterns of the birds, practicing panning then moving to stop motion. Participants will need a sturdy tripod and familiarity using the settings on their cameras. A 100-400 mm lens works well, or anything longer.

Photo by Maresa Luzier

Birds in Flight

6:00 am - 9:30 am, Friday, December 8
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Mark Buckler

There is no more challenging subject to photograph than birds in flight. Mark Buckler will share his expertise and set you up for success. He will start by making sure your camera settings are optimal and move onto helping you with proper technique. From there you will get an endless series of tips that will take your bird photography to the next level. Photographers of all levels will benefit from this workshop. You should know how to adjust your aperture, ISO, and shutter speed.

Photo by Mark Buckler.

Refuge Tour

8:00am - 10:30am, Friday, December 8
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
USFWS Staff

One of the most heavily managed refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, Bosque del Apache is a part-time home to hundreds of species and a year-round home to hundreds more! Join Bosque del Apache staff on a tour of the refuge to learn how water is used and moved and how the land is managed for winter waterbirds and imperiled species at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

Photo by Rinus Baak

Deadly Beauty Photography

8:00am - 11:30am, Friday, December 8
San Antonio | Owl Bar Cafe
Matt Mitchell

Experience live raptors in the field! Hawks, falcons, and eagles are the star performers as they are released to fly, chase lures, and possibly hunt wild prey, such as rabbits and ducks (viewers be warned!). Falconer and wildlife rehabilitator Matthew Mitchell will consider the needs of photographers as he exercises his trained raptors. A professional wildlife photographer will be on site and offer photography techniques and tips. Meet at the west side of the Owl Bar in San Antonio at 8:00 a.m. and carpool a short distance to an area where the birds can fly and hunt safely. Bring your questions, tripods, cameras, and binoculars. Please, no dogs.

Photo by Dan Kee

Old Mission Church Tour

8:15am - 11:00am, Friday, December 8
San Miguel Church | Socorro
Nick Keller

Join Deacon Nick Keller as we visit six of the ten 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.

Birding by Ear

9:00am - 10:30am, Friday, December 8
Theater | Macey Center
Alex Harper

Birding by ear is yet another layer to the birding experience. As we are birding, birds are constantly communicating with one another, and even communicating with different species and mammals. Alex Harper will be your lead for an indoor workshop on birding by ear. He will teach you the language used to describe bird vocalizations, give you mnemonics to remember bird songs and calls, describe how birds can have dialects, and describe how you can attune to the environment by becoming more fluent with the language of birds.

Photo by Richard Eltrich

The Unexpected Evolution of Cranehaven Wild Bird Sanctuary & Nature Preserve

9:00am - 10:30am, Friday, December 8
Copper | Macey Center
Rick and Susanlily Barclay

Cranehaven is a privately owned, thirty-two-acre wild bird sanctuary and nature preserve with a small bed & breakfast in Polvadera, NM. Join Rick and Susanlily Barclay, its owners, as they relate their engaging story of moving to Socorro from Boulder, CO, thirty-two years ago, and gradually developing Cranehaven. They had not thought of owning a large tract of rural, undeveloped, weed-covered property, on which they would create an extraordinary, lasting relationship between themselves and a multigenerations-long, rapidly growing flock of sandhill cranes.

But once Rick and Susanlily invited the “unknown” into their lives by moving to a place where they had no waiting jobs, no family, no friends, and no more than a superficial familiarity with the historic Hispanic community, the door to incredible, creative experiences began opening to them. In this way, Cranehaven, a most unusual place where humans and cranes share the land to their mutual benefit, has come into being.

Photo by Ray Bednar

Hike: Canyon Trail for Everyone

9:30am - 12:30pm, Friday, December 8
Canyon Trail | Bosque del Apache NWR
Rex Myers & Susan Richards

Enjoy a beautiful corner of Bosque del Apache on Friday, December 8, with a hike on the Canyon Trail. Meet at the trailhead parking area at 9:30 a.m. (south of the tour route turn-in); bring water and snacks; wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots; you may want a hiking pole as there is some uneven terrain. The trail is 2.5 miles long and the elevation gain is approximately 200 feet. Most hiking is in sandy arroyos and not difficult. Families are encouraged. Birds? This is not a birding hike. In December, we might see black-throated and white-crowned sparrows, sometimes raptors. No promises, other than interesting scenery and a great view of the refuge.

Photo by JulieAnna Blomquist

Birds in Black-and-White

10:00am - 11:30pm, Friday, December 8
Galena | Macey Center
Lisa Langell

Elevate your portfolio! The colors of birds and wildlife are beautiful—but it is fun to switch up your portfolio using monochromatic imagery. This session will help you create these elegant, masterful images more easily when you recognize the right light, foreground, and background that works best for monochromatic images. You’ll even be able to review your archives and find images that convert beautifully to monochrome when you know what to look for on your hard drives.
This session is for any level of photographer and will cover the following: natural light, i.e., what types of light work best with monochromatic images; what types of plumage and markings strengthen monochromatic images; how to choose the best exposure settings; which backgrounds and foregrounds are ideally suited for this style of work; and the essential techniques in post processing.

Photo by Lisa Langell

Raptor ID Classroom

11:00am - 12:30pm, Friday, December 8
Theater | Macey Center
James Petersen

Identifying a perched raptor is one thing, but being able to identify a raptor that is far away and in flight can be extremely tricky. In this workshop, we will go over not only how to identify raptors up close, but also the clues to identifying a raptor in flight from a distance: shape, flight style, and overall behavior. We will concentrate on the wintering raptors of Bosque del Apache, but we will also touch on raptors that both breed and migrate through the area.

Photo by David Policansky

Formation Flight of Migratory Birds

1:00pm - 2:30pm, Friday, December 8
Theater | Macey Center
Mostafa Hassanalian


Although many birds do not migrate, migratory birds perform either solo migration or fly in groups. For birds, flying together may be more efficient than solo flight. Flocking in migrating birds may offer a variety of advantages, such as greater area coverage, lower workloads, higher endurance, more resistance to predators, and less drag. Also, in flocking flight there may be a smaller probability of a bird losing its way during migration, considering the bird’s age, experience, leadership, and social network traits. Flocking is the complex, collective, flexible, coordinated, and self-organized behavior of a group of birds that migrate together. Flocking and group flight is employed by many types of birds. Formation flight may have aerodynamic advantages for large birds, such as geese. Drag reduction would be an advantage in migration. Flocking and formation flight are possibly effective drag reduction approaches. Drag reduction in flocking flight of migrating birds may be considerable and needs to be quantified under more conditions than it has been.

Photo by Mostafa Hassanalian

Birding at Bosque del Apache

12:45pm - 3:30pm, Friday, December 8
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Holly Merker

During this tour, we'll explore the refuge's many forms of birdlife, from waterbirds to shorebirds to songbirds, and all the integral natural elements that Bosque del Apache provides to draw them in. We'll cover tips on bird identification, strategies for finding birds, and find delight in what appears for us. All skill-levels are welcomed and appreciated.

Photo by Malcolm Panthaki

Refuge Tour

1:30pm - 3:30pm, Friday, December 8
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
USFWS Staff

One of the most heavily managed refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, Bosque del Apache is a part-time home to hundreds of species and a year-round home to hundreds more! Join Bosque del Apache staff on a tour of the refuge to learn how water is used and moved and how the land is managed for winter waterbirds and imperiled species at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

Photo by Pam Dorner

Waterfowl

1:45pm - 5:30pm, Friday, December 8
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
James Petersen

From the graceful but quick flight style of northern pintails to the diminutive green-winged teals to the large, long-beaked silhouette of canvasbacks to the smaller redheads, the variety of waterfowl species that call Bosque del Apache their winter home is vast. Many of these waterfowl make up mixed flocks that can make identifying them a challenging prospect. In this field course, we will go over, identify, and compare the many species of waterfowl that make their winter home at Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

Photo by Vicki Wilmarth

Using Light Creatively in Bird & Nature Photography

1:45pm - 5:30pm, Friday, December 8
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Lisa Langell

From afternoon through sunset and into the blue hour, SO many types of light occur in which to capture stunning images. With lighting conditions changing constantly at these times, we will use a variety of light conditions to capture nature beautifully! Learning how to see and use light in myriad ways is integral to nature photography. This session gives you inspiration, ideas, settings, and tools to make the most out of all types of natural light, from full sun to magic hour to cloudy skies, fog, back lighting, front lighting, side lighting, silhouette, and more. We will use whatever weather and light nature provides us to come away with beautiful images and loads of new knowledge.

Equipment: DSLR or Mirrorless camera, zoom lens (e.g., one lens with a reach of at least 400 mm or more; one lens between about 24-100 mm), tripod (optional, but recommended).

Skill Level: Intermediate through advanced

Photo by Lisa Langell

Slowing down: Sometimes Less Is More

1:30pm - 5:30pm, Friday, December 8
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Alex Harper

Birds come fast and furiously at the Bosque. As a birder, it can be tempting to want to identify a bird before moving quickly on to the next bird to identify. In this workshop, we will challenge ourselves to spend more time with fewer birds. We will fight the temptation to achieve a large list of species. You may be very surprised at the field marks that are missed when we don't slow down, open awareness, and study and listen for birds. We will get into the weeds, figuratively, and this is where the learning truly happens.

Photo by Ray Bender

Settings for Success

2:00pm - 5:30pm, Friday, December 8
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Maresa Luzier

Right after class, we’ll leave to practice in the field. Maresa will work with everyone on the settings and techniques for getting the best shots. We’ll go to the north loop and then to the roosting ponds. Participants are encouraged to bring a tripod. Cranes are one of the most elegant birds in flight, so Maresa will show everyone how to work with motion by using slow shutter speeds to bring out the wing patterns of the birds, practicing panning then moving to stop motion. Participants will need a sturdy tripod and familiarity with using the settings on their cameras. A 100-400 mm lens works well, or anything longer.

Photo by Maresa Luzier

Evening with the Cranes

3:15pm - 5:45pm, Friday, December 8
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Sandra Noll & Erv Nichols

If you want a comprehensive sandhill crane experience and love sunsets, an "Evening with the Cranes" is perfect for you! Sandra Noll and Erv Nichols provide a personalized experience for those observing cranes for the first time as well as for veteran crane watchers. The tour begins indoors with a 30 minute overview of sandhill crane biology and behavior - "Crane Basics" - followed by direct field observations of cranes foraging and moving about the refuge. You will develop skill in recognizing individuals within crane families and understanding a variety of their communications (both vocal and body-language), and habitats. The tour concludes with the sandhill cranes’ “fly-in” to a refuge hot spot where they will roost for the night. With any luck, fly-in will take place against the backdrop of a glorious New Mexico sunset!

Photo by Erv Nichols

Night Photography at the Very Large Array

3:15pm - 9:30pm, Friday, December 8
Parking Lot | Macey Center
Mark Buckler

The Very Large Array Radio Telescope (VLA), one of the world’s premier astronomical radio observatories, consists of 27 radio antennas in a Y-shaped configuration on the Plains of San Agustin, beyond Magdalena. Each antenna is 25 meters (82 feet) in diameter. At this location, the NRAO Very Large Array (VLA) in partnership with Friends of Bosque del Apache and Sigma Camera offer this nighttime photography workshop of spectacular magnitude. Join Mark Buckler as he leads an educational program on the possibilities of photographing landscapes with the star-filled sky as a backdrop. He will cover equipment, tips, techniques, and camera settings for nighttime. Bring a flashlight/headlamp with a red filter. You are required to leave your electronic communication equipment (cell phones, tablets, and computers) in your vehicle, off, as they interfere with the VLA’s telescope data collection, which occurs continuously. Dress warmly and in layers; bring water and a sack dinner. You will be walking in the desert at night up to 1/3 miles to the antennas, so consider your equipment weight and good walking boots. Offered with Lisa Langell Tuesday and Wednesday, and Mark Buckler on Friday, with him covering Sunday as a backup for poor weather. A partial refund of $85 will be available if the weather is prohibitive on scheduled nights and you cannot participate in the Sunday event.

Photo by Jeff Faulkner

Morning with the Cranes

5:15am - 11:00am, Wednesday, December 6
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Paul Tebbel & Keanna Leonard

As the night slowly becomes day, you will join guides Paul Tebbel and Keanna Leonard at the edge of a wetland to watch and listen as the cranes awaken. There is no better time to pick out different vocalizations, see body language and learn about the different life histories of the lesser, and greater sandhill cranes. You’ll learn more about the crane’s life history plus how to recognize juveniles, identify the different subspecies, distinguish between dancing and aggression, and many other details that will help you better understand and appreciate sandhill cranes. This workshop is geared towards first-time viewers, but even experienced crane watchers will learn much. This tour was first offered in 2001 and, except for Covid breaks, is now in its 21st year.Your guides have over sixty years combined experience with cranes and leading tours. Warm shoes and warm, layered clothing are recommended.

Photo by Beverley Sinclair

Morning Birding at NM Tech

6:15am - 7:45am, Saturday, December 9
Macey Center Parking Area
Sharon Fullingim

Join Sharon Fullingim at Macey Center to search and learn about the hidden avian gems at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Learn how to enjoy urban birding near you! In this walking workshop, you will meander around the campus looking for the “usual suspects” of southwest New Mexico, and you may even spot something unusual.

Photo by Susan Croyle

Refuge Tour

8:00am - 10:30am, Saturday, December 9
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
USFWS Staff

One of the most heavily managed refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, Bosque del Apache is a part-time home to hundreds of species and a year-round home to hundreds more! Join Bosque del Apache staff on a tour of the refuge to learn how water is used and moved and how the land is managed for winter waterbirds and imperiled species at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

Photo by Mary Holmes

Deadly Beauty: Raptors and Man

8:00am - 10:30am, Saturday, December 9
San Antonio | Owl Bar Cafe
Matt Mitchell

Experience live raptors in the field! Join 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. Watch trained hawks and falcons play, fly, and yes, hunt - viewers be warned! This group will meet at the west side of the Owl Bar in San Antonio at 8:00 a.m. and carpool a short distance to an area where the birds can fly and hunt safely. Bring your questions, tripods, cameras, and binoculars. Please, no dogs!

Photo by Dan Kee

Cranes of the World

9:00am - 10:30am, Saturday, December 9
Theatre | Macey Center
Sandra Noll

Abundant in visual imagery and storytelling, the program opens with an overview of the natural history, mythology and cultural symbolism of cranes followed by a brief introduction to the International Crane Foundation (ICF) and its role in crane conservation. Unique characteristics of each of the world’s 15 crane species are then highlighted beginning in Africa and ending with the two species found only in North America: the abundant Sandhill Crane and highly endangered Whooping Crane. This program was inspired by the organizational integrity and important work of the International Crane Foundation.

Photo by Kathleen Walter

What We Have Learned by Sharing Our Lives with Cranes

9:00am - 10:30am, Saturday, December 9
Copper | Macey Center
Rick and Susanlily Barclay

Rick and Susanlily Barclay share with you what they have learned from spending every day for six months of the year for the past thirty years in the company of cranes. Like Dr. Jane Goodall or Dianne Fosse, both of whom lived among the animals they studied, Rick and Susanlily have gained profound knowledge, respect, and love for sandhill cranes, who have not only become objects of study but friends.
Because of the extraordinary access they have had to observe and interact with crane social behaviors, they have witnessed things most people would never think cranes were capable of. They will tell you about some of the things that they have observed and learned, and they hope this information will help you better respect the intelligence and cooperative kindness inherent in all forms of life, especially cranes. They also hope there will be research into how humanity can cooperate with cranes for the mutual benefit of both species. Fossil records show that cranes are the oldest birds on this planet; as such, their proven survival skills inform us that cranes have a lot to tell us that we would benefit from knowing.

Sparrows of Bosque del Apache ID

9:00am - 11:30am, Saturday, December 9
Bus Stop | Bosque Del Apache Visitor Center
James Peterson

Fall and winter is synonymous with walking through brushy fields tediously trying to identify sparrows. From clay-colored sparrows to chipping sparrows to Brewer’s sparrows, many of these species look similar; but with some careful study, they become easy to separate. In this workshop, we will go over the sparrows that call Bosque del Apache their winter home and the tips that will have you identifying them in no time.

Photo by Susan Croyle

Hike: Sevilleta Mesa View and Ladrones Vista Trails

9:00am - 1:00pm, Saturday, December 9
Sevilleta Visitor Center
Sevilleta Staff

Hike arroyo canyons, mesa rims, and Chihuahuan Desert grasslands west of the Sevilleta Visitor Center, with beautiful views of the Rio Grande valley. Sage and black-throated sparrows are possibilities. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. This tour includes some easy to moderate walking over uneven terrain. Bring your lunch and plenty of drinking water. Distance: 5.5 miles.

Photo by Don Boyd

El Camino Real Historic Trail: Guided Walking Tour in Downtown Socorro

10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Saturday
Socorro Historic Plaza | Socorro
Free

This walking tour with a local guide will provide information about Socorro’s three downtown historic districts. Starting at the Plaza, we will walk around historic neighborhoods, view murals in the area, see local landmarks, and take a tour inside a historic house. An illustrated guide provided.

The Backyard Photo Studio

11:00am - 12:30pm, Saturday, December 9
Theatre | Macey Center
Larry Hollar

No lights, just camera and action! Attract more bird species with native plants. Once “better” birds are in your yard, flowers and foliage serve as natural backdrops. You will leave this workshop with many practical tips about perches, plant picks, proper props, planning, perspective, and patience.

Following the presentation, we will have a discussion in a casual, conversational atmosphere. Everyone is welcome.

The workshop leader built a yard in Minnesota with 100% bird-friendly, native plants. In three summers, he photographed 65 bird species!

Photo by Larry Hollar

Owling

1:00pm - 2:30pm, Saturday, December 9
Copper | Macey Center
James Petersen

From the moth-like flight of short-eared owls at dusk, to the rolling, bouncing-ball-like call of western screech owls, these cryptic nocturnal species are varied and fascinating. Many birders may hear them but never see them. In this classroom workshop, we will go over owling, what habitats to look for with which species and tips for finding them both during the night and during the day.

Photo by Patricia Vergeer

Colorations of Flight Efficiency

1:00pm - 2:30pm, Saturday, December 9
Theater | Macey Center
Mostafa Hassanalian

The colors of a bird’s feathers have evoked many theories. These theories often point to the color’s purpose to attract mates or to hide from predators. Some recent researchers concluded that the dark colors of birds help in reducing the drag force during flight. A new theory will be presented in this workshop that states that a bird’s dark color not only reduces the drag, but the color pattern improves the overall flight performance, and each color pattern has a different type of flight performance improvement. This difference of improvement is a result of variation in hot and cold surfaces on the bird’s skin, the result of the variation between light and dark feather colors.

Photo by Mostafa Hassanalian

Historic San Miguel Church Tour

1:00pm - 2:30pm, Saturday, December 9
San Miguel Church | Socorro
Nick Keller

Join Deacon Nick Keller, an active ordained Deacon at San Miguel Church in Socorro, for a private tour of this newly restored church. Deacon Nick will talk about the rededication of the church in 2014 after nearly four years of being closed for restoration and repair. He will share the facts about many aspects of structural and aesthetic improvements. This historic church is celebrating more than 400 years of faith in this area, which dates all the way back to the founding of the community in the early 17th Century. The tour is free with offerings appreciated. No need to register and no limit of attendees -- just meet us at the front door.

Forest Bathing at Bosque del Apache

12:45pm - 3:30pm, Saturday, December 9
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Holly Merker

Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, Forest Bathing harnesses the health and restorative benefits the natural world holds for us. One doesn’t need dense woodlands and leafy trees to reap these benefits. With its dynamic landscapes and birds, the Bosque del Apache NWR in late fall provides the perfect backdrop for Forest Bathing. Birds go hand in hand with all habitats, and with a framework of guided "invitations" centering around them, we can deepen our connections to nature by engaging the senses, noticing the nature around us, and awakening our experience of reciprocity with the natural world. This experience will be a bit different than a traditional outdoor guided walk—not focusing on sharing naturalist knowledge or identification; instead, allowing the bosque and birds to intentionally guide us into slowing our pace. A tea ceremony between the group will be included in the experience as we celebrate birds and the bosque. “Forest Bathing with Birds” can be calming, contemplative, mindful, revealing, soothing, awe inspiring, and more. Come experience your own “personal refuge” while visiting this beautiful refuge.

Photo by Kathy McGaffigan

Refuge Tour

1:00pm - 3:30pm, Saturday, December 9
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
USFWS Staff

One of the most heavily managed refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, Bosque del Apache is a part-time home to hundreds of species and a year-round home to hundreds more! Join Bosque del Apache staff on a tour of the refuge to learn how water is used and moved and how the land is managed for winter waterbirds and imperiled species at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

Photo by Bill Gorum

From Pueblos to Statehood: New Mexico's Unique History

1:30pm - 3:00pm, Saturday, December 9
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Paul Harden

Local historian Paul Harden presents a history of New Mexico with plenty of photos, maps, and illustrations. The first colonists arrived in “New Spain” in 1598 – twenty-two years before the Mayflower – and they were surprised to find thousands of indigenous people living in well-organized pueblos. Over the next three centuries, the territory belonged to Spain and Mexico, becoming a U.S. Territory in 1848. This road to statehood included the Indian Wars, cattle barons, Civil War battles, and outlaws making it the wild west. This long and storied history and diversity of cultures is what makes New Mexico (and our yummy food) truly unique and so different from the rest of the country. Paul Harden is an author of local history and a long-term member of the Socorro County Historical Society.

Birding by Impression

1:45pm - 5:30pm, Saturday, December 9
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Alex Harper

Have you ever been around someone who is impressively fast at identifying birds correctly? When we begin birding, we often have systematically to break down the features of a bird—its relative size, shape, patterning, and behavior—and compare that to other birds in the vicinity. Over time, our brains begin to subconsciously pick up on these features, helping us to identify the same birds subconsciously and almost effortlessly. This is known as intuition. In this workshop, we will look at birds with a technical lens, really breaking down the features of birds that we run into so that we can bolster our impression of these birds. Over time, these practices help us to move towards that expert level of intuition that partly comes from getting proficient at gaining bird impressions. We will spend far less emphasis on plumage and vocalizations in this workshop than in the Slowing Down workshop.

Photo by Aaron Lewis

Birds in Flight

1:45pm - 5:30pm, Saturday, December 9
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Lisa Langell
Learn to photograph birds in flight! Lisa Langell’s supportive and upbeat teaching style will help even the most nervous or new photographers improve their technique! This class will focus on the settings in-camera and the technique in the field that will help you capture beautiful images of birds in flight! You will also learn to observe bird behaviors that will help you anticipate when the bird will take flight, learn a few helpful tips for keeping you and the birds safe, and much more!

Equipment: DSLR or Mirrorless camera, zoom lens (e.g., a zoom or prime lens with a maximum reach of 300 mm or more), tripod (optional), your camera’s manual.

Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate

Photo by Lisa Langell

Mastering Bird Photography

2:00pm - 5:30pm, Saturday, December 9
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Mark Buckler

It takes a lot more than the right equipment to take compelling images of birds. Mark Buckler will share his secrets to creating amazing bird photos and provide you with the tools that you need to make more interesting and artistic bird photos. A brief classroom presentation and discussion will be followed by some hands-on learning on the refuge. We will cover the best settings to use, proper techniques, and how to think out in the field to ensure that you are creating your best photos.

Photo by Mark Buckler.

Photographing Bird Behavior

2:00pm - 5:30pm, Saturday, December 9
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Maresa Luzier

In her presentation, Maresa will breakdown photo opportunities by watching a bird’s behavior; sharing her knowledge of technical aspects, equipment, backgrounds, lighting, weather, seasons, food sources, and so forth; and incorporating all these things into an image. “Birds have so much to teach us about their everyday lives and how we can document them responsibly.” Her images will inspire you to learn what’s out there and how to find it.
In the field, Maresa will teach everyone what to look for in bird behavior. This will provide many opportunities; and by predicting what your subject is about to do, you can capture exciting images. Maresa will also discuss lighting and background use. We will focus on the sandhill cranes, and other surprises we may find along the way. All these factors make for exceptional imagery. She recommends at least a 100-400 mm lens or longer.

Photo by Maresa Luzier

Evening with the Cranes

3:15pm - 5:45pm, Saturday, December 9
Bus Stop | Bosque del Apache Visitor Center
Sandra Noll & Erv Nichols

If you want a comprehensive sandhill crane experience and love sunsets, an "Evening with the Cranes" is perfect for you! Sandra Noll and Erv Nichols provide a personalized experience for those observing cranes for the first time as well as for veteran crane watchers. The tour begins indoors with a 30 minute overview of sandhill crane biology and behavior - "Crane Basics" - followed by direct field observations of cranes foraging and moving about the refuge. You will develop skill in recognizing individuals within crane families and understanding a variety of their communications (both vocal and body-language), and habitats. The tour concludes with the sandhill cranes’ “fly-in” to a refuge hot spot where they will roost for the night. With any luck, fly-in will take place against the backdrop of a glorious New Mexico sunset!

Photo by Erv Nichols