New Mexico’s Birding Hotspots

      Albuquerque

      Rt
      Reefs to Rockies
      • Email address verified
      49 reviews
      Dec 1 - 4, 2023
      Group size: 4 - 7
      New Mexico’s Birding Hotspots
      Albuquerque

      Reefs to Rockies
      • Email address verified
      49 reviews

      Dec 1 - 4, 2023
      Group size: 4 - 7

      About this trip

      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.

      CONSERVATION IMPACT

      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.

      ABOUT YOUR EXPEDITION LEADER

      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.

      What’s included

      • Accommodations
        Double Occupancy - Two People Sharing
      • Transportation
        The Roaming Bison” Custom Safari Van
      • Driver/Guide
        Chip Clouse
      • Daily Guiding
        With Spotting Scope Available
      • Gratuities
        For your guide and at restaurants for included meals
      • Entrance fees
      • Meals as listed
        3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 2 dinners
      • Conservation Donation
        A donation to SPLT to aid in their land acquisition efforts will be made on behalf of all participants.

      What’s not included

      • Flights
      • Travel Insurance
      • 1 Dinner
      • Optional Gratuities
        For hotel staff
      • Activities not listed
      • Personal items

      Available Packages

      Trip Price
      $1,750
      Deposit: $450

      Available options

      Itinerary

      Day 1 (Fri, Dec 1)
      Albuquerque/ Sandia Peak/ Socorro

      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.

      Your Organizer


      Rt
      Reefs to Rockies
      49 reviews
      Our specialty is nature and wildlife travel. We know when and where to go for the best experiences. Travel time is limited. It’s important to choose a travel company that knows how to personalize a trip just for you. Our travel specialists will help you plan a custom trip that matches your travel style, budget, interests, and ideal dates.

      Reviews

      This was an extremely well run trip with fantastic wildlife viewing and very comfortable accommodations. Sheridan kept everything running smoothly, and her choice of the local Maasai guides for the large part of the trip, Ping and Peter, was outstanding. I particularly liked the more rustic lodge, Enaidura, that Ping and his partners owned. Having a small group of eight was great, and bird identification by Sheridan and the guides was amazing. The highlight of the trip for me was seeing the big cats( lion, cheetah and leopard), but the extension to Uganda was also an experience of a lifetime. Getting to observe two different mountain gorilla families was such a thrill. I look forward to traveling again with Reefs to Rockies in the future.
      By Lucy H for Kenya Big Cat Safari w/ Optional Uganda Mountain Gorilla Extension​ on Mar 17, 2024
      I have booked personal trips before with Sheridan and reefs to Rockies and they have been amazing. This was my first time doing a small group trip. My trip with Sheridan was amazing. From the well communicated schedule to the other people in the group to the quintessential Kenyan and Uganda vistas, everything about this trip was perfect. I saw so many animals, had so many experiences with our guides Ping and Peter, and had delicious food and drink. , If I could give this trip and my experience with Reefs to Rockies more stars I would.
      By Rebecca H for Kenya Big Cat Safari w/ Optional Uganda Mountain Gorilla Extension​ on Mar 13, 2024
      This was truly the trip of a lifetime. Sheridan and her team always deliver an excellent experience and this trip was no exception. All the camps we stayed at were wonderful and I loved that they employed so many local people. Sheridan put a real focus on ensuring we were supporting the communities we visited and giving back to those communities, which I truly appreciated. While you are often at the mercy of the Mother Nature when looking for wildlife, having such knowledgeable and professional guides who knew the area, knew the individual animals and their behaviors, and knew just where to look ensured that we got to see as many species as possible. I have used Reefs to Rockies now for custom trips where I self guided and group travel. In both situations Reefs to Rockies is a class act that you can count on to deliver a truly wonderful and well-thought out wildlife experience. Thanks Sheridan and team for making this a truly extraordinary trip!
      By Scott S for Kenya Big Cat Safari w/ Optional Uganda Mountain Gorilla Extension​ on Mar 12, 2024
      This was our second trip with Reefs to Rockies and it did not disappoint! In Search of Big Cats Safari was absolutely wonderful. Guides were outstanding, accommodations wonderful and food delicious. Sheridan and R2R does an excellent job of putting together top rate trips! We plan to have them arrange a few more for us.
      By Lorraine L for Kenya Big Cat Safari w/ Optional Uganda Mountain Gorilla Extension​ on Mar 12, 2024
      This was a wonderful trip. There wasn’t anything we had hoped to see that we missed. We enjoyed the group, the guides, and the accommodations. It was a pleasure having Sheridan along with the group. Her knowledge and commitment to assure that all the participants had an exceptional time helped make it a special experience. Thank you. We recommend Reef to Rockies to anyone looking to plan a special vacation.
      By Victor S for Kenya Big Cat Safari w/ Optional Uganda Mountain Gorilla Extension​ on Mar 12, 2024
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