Image of the Month
Bosque del Apache
Last month I ventured out to New Mexico to see what Bosque del Apache has that keeps bring photographers and bird watchers back year after year. After spending only a few short days there, I found it to be a very unique place that is an oasis for bird photographers. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is located approximately 90 miles due south of Albuquerque, NM. It's situated in a setting that many would picture as a desert wasteland but thanks to the reviving waters of the Rio Grande River the refuge area is brought to life. The 57,191 acre refuge was established in 1939 for migrating birds and had only 17 cranes in 1941, today the numbers are approaching 20,000!
The hot time to visit Bosque seems to be between Thanksgiving and Christmas during the annual Festival of Cranes celebration. The refuge has a 15 mile auto tour route that you basically never stray off of. Located amongst the ponds and fields are a few viewing platforms that offer good shooting sites for either sunrise or sunset, the rest of the time you'll be cruising the tour route looking for something interesting. With approximately 15,000 cranes, 30,000 Snow Geese, eagles, plus an assortment of other species it not hard to find something that catches your liking.
Come prepared for winter weather, it was windy and very brisk in wee hours, be sure to bring your winter gear. I easily shot through 60+ rolls of film in three days so plan accordingly.
Travel safe and Good Shooting!
Nikon F5, Nikon 600f4 AF-I w/ TC-14E, Gitzo G1548 tripod w/ Arca Swiss B-2, Agfa RSX100 film.
