New Mexico is home to one of North America’s true can’t-miss birding hotspots. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge located near Socorro, New Mexico hosts ones of the continent’s most spectacular wildlife spectacles in fall and early winter. In October, Sandhill Cranes start arriving. The cranes are followed by an array of other species including ducks, geese (most notably Snow and Ross’s geese), and shorebirds which join together and congregate in the refuge’s wetlands and marshes. More than a dozen duck species overwinter in the area. Raptors, especially Bald Eagles, soar overheard in search of the abundant prey now available.
A true highlight of our trip to Bosque del Apache is witnessing an early morning “fly-out”, when thousands of geese and cranes take flight from their overnight roosts.
In addition to Bosque del Apache, we’ll explore Albuquerque hotspots. We’ll visit Sandia Peak, a haven for all three species of rosy-finches in colder months, along with Petroglyph National Monument, Embudito Canyon, and Rio Grande Nature Center.
This trip is timed to maximize opportunities to showcase why New Mexico is home to one of the highest bird species lists in the US. We have strategically selected areas so that we have the time and space to truly enjoy our wildlife experiences in true Reefs to Rockies style. We’ll travel in a custom American safari van with a conversion pop-top and spacious seating. This is not the traditional passenger van you may have traveled in on past trips. This one-of-a-kind vehicle has been specially designed by two wildlife biologists to allow for optimal viewing. It makes a perfect ‘blind’ and there’s ample room for everyone to view at the same time.
Join Front Range Birding Company and Reefs to Rockies for this unforgettable weekend getaway highlighting what makes this region of New Mexico so special.
The Southern Plains Land Trust (SPLT), founded in 1998, creates and protects a network of shortgrass prairie preserves, ensuring a future for native flora and fauna. A donation to SPLT to aid in their land acquisition efforts will be made on behalf of all participants.
Chip Clouse is a long-time bird tour leader and Reefs to Rockies’ Lead Naturalist Guide. He’s also ProStaff for Opticron Optics and Former Manager of Front Range Birding Company.
Originally enamored with tooth and claw predators, his fascination with birds started by volunteering with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to monitor Peregrine Falcon nest sites. His fascination and love for birds was cemented once he saw his first Western Tanager while working for the Peregrine Fund in Oregon. Chip’s experience includes 20 years of bird research and project management experience in nine states and the Caribbean nation of Grenada, a Masters in Conservation Biology from Colorado State University, five years with the American Birding Association, two years as a rep with Novagrade Digiscoping adapters and stints guiding at 15+ different US birding festivals. Chip is excited to share his love of New Mexico’s natural history in this trip.
Morning arrival to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). Chip will meet the group on arrival with “The Roaming Bison” safari vehicle. We’ll start with a visit to Sandia Crest, a hotspot just east of Albuquerque, that’s a winter haven for flocks of Gray-crowned, Black, and Brown-capped Rosy-Finches. We also may find Clark’s Nutcrackers, Red Crossbills, and other higher elevation highlights before making our way south to Socorro. We’ll make stops along the way showcasing New Mexico’s diverse habitats.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Socorro
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Plan to arrive to ABQ Airport by 11 am this morning.