The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Preserve is a wonderful and special place. It is home to numerous bird species in a beautiful setting along the Rio Grande River in New Mexico. In particular, during the months of November through Late January, the preserve comes alive with thousands upon thousands of migrating snow geese and sandhill cranes. For photographers and bird watchers alike, the preserve offers an unparalleled viewing experience that cannot easily be described.
Bird watchers appreciate the preserve not only for the copious snow geese and sandhill cranes but also for the many other species that migrate to the relative winter warmth of this high New Mexico desert location. Photographers particularly enjoy the early morning and evening times when the light is amazing and bird activity is high. The colors are indescribable during these hours with the skies typically transitioning from deep blue towards a blood orange with all colors of pink and salmon along the way. The nearby desert and mountains are also painted with these ever changing colors. Dormant grasses near the waterways take on a golden wheat color, only adding to the amazing color palate.
Dry conditions over the last few years have definitely affected the preserve. While the migrating birds are still plentiful, they have had to adapt to smaller areas where there is still water. Many of the traditional watering areas have dried up including a once excellent viewing area, the Wetland Roost, north of visitor center along Highway 1. The viewing berm by the parking lot is now sadly completely grown over with weeds. Fortunately, areas inside the loop drive within the preserve still have watering areas where plentiful bird activity can still be seen.
Getting to the preserve is relatively easy as it is located near Intestate-25 just south of Socorro, NM. Inside of the preserve is a visitor center that serves as a great starting point to explore the area which includes hiking trails and a nearby loop drive that takes you into the preserve proper. The north loop, particularly when the north loop extension is open, takes you to a watering area mainly used by the sandhill cranes. On the eastern side of the north loop are areas where large groups of snow geese can be frequently seen. There are many other viewing areas along the way as well as on the south loop where bird activity can also be seen depending on the time of day and year.
An area near the loop entrance on the north side called the flight deck has traditionally been a great place to view both snow geese and sandhill cranes coming in for the evening. Unfortunately, in late November 2021 when I was last there, there was very little bird activity. That was surprising as the water levels seemed good there. As with all the areas of the preserve, conditions do change. Each year is always different as far as where the best activity will be.
The nearby town of Socorro has many amenities including a number of hotels, local restaurants, and the typical fast-food chains. Accommodations are typically not difficult to find. However, during the times around the Festival of the Cranes in late November, it is wise to book ahead. Even though this year’s 2021 festival was cancelled, there were still a lot of visitors in the area.
Weather conditions can vary considerably in the winter months. Winter storms can bring cold rain and even snow. Most days, however, are cool, dry, and sunny requiring only a light jacket. Evenings and early mornings, however, can be rather cold with temperatures at or below freezing. I always come prepared with plenty of warm clothing including gloves and a warm hat.
Regardless, of whether you are a bird watcher, photographer, or just interested in enjoying nature, the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Preserve has something for everyone. The beauty of the area as well as the sights and sounds of so many countless migrating birds will make an indelible impression on virtually anyone who visits. Additional images from the preserve can be found here in my Bosque del Apache Gallery. For more official information, here is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website for the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Preserve.
