Field Workshop

Dates Nov 25–Dec 1, 2006
Leader Len Rue, Jr.
Fee $1,995 from Albuquerque, New Mexico
Deposit $300
Limit 8
Terms and Conditions

For wildlife photographers, one of the most memorable gatherings of birds can be found at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in central New Mexico. Bosque del Apache, "woods of the Apaches," is a 57,191-acre wildlife oasis of upland desert and floodplain established in 1939. The Rio Grande flows through the center of this floodplain which consists mainly of cottonwood and willow bosques, man-made marshes, riparian areas and farm fields that are an important overwintering area for 17,000 greater sandhill cranes, 30,000 snow geese and 20,000 ducks of 14 species.

In 1941, only 17 sandhill cranes overwintered on the refuge. These days, however, thousands of cranes with wingspans of six feet or more fan out by day to feed in the adjacent farm fields. Huge flocks of snow geese also frequent the refuge, and often erupt in explosions of wings when frightened by a stalking coyote or an eagle coursing the marsh. At dusk, flight after flight of geese and cranes return to roost in the refuge marshes, making for great evening (and early morning) “birdscapes.” Coyotes, black-tailed deer, porcupines, pheasants, wild turkeys, roadrunners, great horned owls, and bald and golden eagles are all part of the diverse photo menu served up by the refuge. And, during our visit, autumn’s riparian hues may be complemented by a light dusting of snow.

Although we spend the bulk of our time in Bosque, we'll also head for Alamogordo and the nearby White Sands National Monument. Here, enormous gypsum sand dunes, deposited in this intermountain valley by prevailing winds, tower over the surrounding landscape. The undulating dunes stretch for miles—like white storm swell frozen on a desert sea. Late afternoon and early mornings are prime times for capturing the sculpted dune shapes, and we will be sure to take best advantage of the light.

Join Len Rue, Jr. for the spectacular bird photography of Bosque del Apache!


Day 1
Participants fly to Albuquerque, and take a shuttle to Socorro, arriving in time for dinner. The shuttle is not included in the tour fee. (D)

Days 2–4
At sunrise we begin photographing the morning flights of sandhill cranes as they leave their overnight roost. In the afternoon we photograph geese and cranes feeding in the fields, and look for massive fly-ups as predators stalk the flocks. We'll search for porcupine, coyote, wild turkey, deer, birds of prey and other animals. There will also be many opportunities to photograph a variety of wetland habitats. Afternoons will be reserved for flight shots at last light. (BLD)

Day 5
We drive to White Sands National Monument. Late afternoon and early morning are prime times for capturing the sculpted shapes, and we will do so this evening and tomorrow morning. (BLD)

Day 6
We have arranged for an early entry at White Sands and will be at the dunes before the sunrise. Later in the day, we drive to Albuquerque for an overnight at our airport hotel. (BLD)

Day 7
Participants may depart at any time today.


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