Awesome

We have just returned from visiting the Bosque del Apache along the Rio Grande River near San Antonio, New Mexico, and 156 miles South of Santa Fe. The driving time from Socorro, New Mexico, where we stayed was 20ish minutes.

Before the "fly-in" of geese at dusk we noticed a very large flock of black birds   . . . very large black birds with very long tails. Not ravens but what? Pulling out our Sibley's we were able to identify a new to us bird: Great-tailed Grackle which is quite a stunning bird. We also saw a number species of diving ducks, all of which we have seen previously when living in Northern California.

The Monday sunset" fly-in" of  Snow Geese and Ross Geese. 

About four Sandhill Cranes were spotted with
our binoculars on the far shore.

The stellar sunset added lovely New Mexico colors
to the  "fly-in" of thousands of geese.

After getting our fill of geese, visually and auditorily, we went to the Wetland Roost along Highway 1. The Sandhill Cranes (both Greater and Lesser) were returning to the shallow waters for an overnight rest. This is a grand place to view the cranes since you can stand really close to the water's edge.

Early, especially for Dwight who is a "night person" rather than a morning one, we left our hotel to arrive before sunrise. "Well worth it," said Dwight as we stood at the water's edge awaiting the "fly-out" of the cranes. They left in small groups sometimes only a couple and many flew right over our heads towards the East so it took well over an hour. And it was cold: 13 degrees!

A few Snow Geese and diving ducks in the background beyond the cranes.

It was interesting to me how the cranes'
 legs remain extended until they reach a
certain altitude before pulling them in.

Just glorious to see and experience these awesome birds
both resting in the water and leaving to feed.
It is especially joyful knowing that the
Australian record breaking bushfires
have reportedly killed more than 1 billion animals.
BirdLife Australia has "considerable concern
for species with small ranges and small
pre fire season populations." So sad!

FYI All photographs were taken 
by Dwight J. Sims
with his iPhone.

The Visitor's Center at the Bosque is one of the most informative we have been to in our travels enjoying wildlife, birds and the glorious landscapes in the West. There is a Desert Arboretum with a National Pollinator Week celebration in mid-June. One of the Rangers shared with us that along the South Loop drive before turning North there is a javelina family. And continuing to drive up towards the North Loop one might see a coyote family and bobcat family as well.

We did not allow for near enough time to explore all Bosque del Apache has to offer! We plan on returning for a week over Thanksgiving. Perhaps we have found a place to spend extended time in November as we did in the Eastern Sierras exploring.

Many visitors noticed Shasta in the car and her interest in the thousands of birds, commenting to us when we stopped at the Visitor's Center Tuesday morning after viewing the cranes' "fly out." Shasta is a delight to travel with since she is so curious and wants to see all we notice, barely resting, so upon our return home she had a very long nap before her dinner.

All in all we did indeed enjoy our brief but spectacular outing and often did