December can be a busy month for me over at the Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Thousands of Snow Geese and Sandhill Cranes stop in the area during the chilly months.
bosque del apache photography
If you are a nature/bird enthusiast, with or without a camera, this is a can’t miss location, especially if you are in the Southwest! The area provides a lot of opportunities for photographers daily. Snow geese blast off, elaborate sandhill cranes with their behaviors and in-flight shots, and then there are the sunsets and sunrises that Bosque is known for as well!
I think New Mexico was the greatest experience from the outside world that I have ever had.
D. H. Lawrence
Favorite time of day
My favorite time to hit the area is always sunrise. I appreciate the quietness of the area before too many people arrive. I also enjoy spotting birds as the light enters the day, and you can often find birds (and horses) near the water.
That’s not to say the evening is terrible. This is the ideal time for silhouette shots! And during the day hours, you can always drive the loops and see many species.
200+ Species
Bird watchers are in for a treat, too, as over 200 species of birds are here throughout the year. The most popular time of year starts near thanksgiving each year during the Festival of the Cranes. Winter is the most common time to see the high bird counts with the geese and cranes. For more information on the annual Festival of the Cranes event check out the Friends of Bosque website.
Socorro
If you are coming here for some Bosque del Apache photography, you will most likely be staying in Socorro, New Mexico. It’s about a 20 minute drive and a very easy one. Soccoro has lots of great Mexican food in the area, and it is a great reason to come here as well.
One of my favorite places to eat is Sofia’s Kitchen, LLC. You can eat inside, or they even have a drive-through window where you can order various burritos.
Very Large Array
Another spot to check out in this area of New Mexico is the V.L.A., also known as the Very Large Array. It’s about an hour west of Soccoro and a straight shot. If you are into astronomy and science then this is can’t miss.
Read about one of my visits here and also learn some behind-the-scenes tidbits.
Wide Angle and Telephoto
In a perfect world, you would have two bodies and both of these lenses ready to go. You could even consider renting another body for a trip to the area. Things can happen fast here with the birds and wildlife, and you never know precisely when.
I’m very happy being me,
Joy Fielding
although sometimes
I’d love to be a bird
so that I could fly.
If you have one body, then start your day with a wide angle as the sun is coming up for sunrise shooting, and the notorious Bosque blasts. Then as the light becomes brighter, I would switch to a telephoto and start focusing on finding birds in flight and portraits.
More Amazing Food
I have to mention two more food spots. You will pass both off the interstate if going to do some Bosque del Apache photography.
The first is the Buckhorn Tavern. Talk about an excellent burger! Load it up with green chilis! And right across the street is Owl Bar and Cafe. This is another spot for amazing food!
