Short visit to the Bosque

[MyronL]

Just back from a couple days south down I-25 to the much acclaimed Bosque Del Apache wildlife Refuge here in NM. Stayed again at the Chupadero RV trailer park a couple miles from the entrance.

Been several times but never tire of the place. Snow geese, cranes, ducks, raptors, mule deer, etc– if you enjoy wildlife photography it is a great place to be. Well, not currently. The big drought in the area has pretty much dried up the extensive feeding grounds that attract the wildlife. No water means no food, which means no birds. Saw very few cranes and, a first, zero snow geese.

Yet, the trip wasn’t a total turkey. The Chupadero RV park is very small, has excellent heated bathrooms. Only 10 reserved hook-up sites, but since our Escape is totally self-sufficient I can always count on talking the extraordinarily amiable owner into giving us a spot ($15) away from the monster RV’s. Had a great time in front of his Montana chatting with a guy from Texas who invited me to get down to The Padre Islands area to see the few Whooping Cranes before they become extinct. Didn’t know they tower over the cranes you see at the Bosque.

It was a very cold night. Had a full 2o pounder but the furnace refused to ignite. This was our first trailer trip in many months and that meant long time no furnace propane use. It was looking like sleeping bags and sweat pants would be wise. Also noticed the porch light refused to come on. Battery power was excellent. The stove worked. Brought a small ice chest for perishables. I totally ignored the Dometic fridge and the water system.

Then about an hour+ later the furnace kicked on! Guessing propane flow is slow. That made the night toasty yet it was long, because of the constant, loud recycling furnace and, three nearby freight trains.

The very big tour loop at the Bosque, though currently bleak, never disappoints completely. I did it twice. Got my shots but a raptor feasting on a kill failed because I couldn’t focus clearly. You absolutely need your 600mm-plus lens, and autofocus.

[UncleTim]

Nice Myron. I think I am going to go down for a little visit real soon.

Inspiring.

p.s. Check your propane pressure and flow regulator. You know!

[MrLynn]

Nice shot of the flying cranes.

[HABBERDABBER]

I saw 3 in the front yard this AM, munching on seeds fallen from the bird feeder.
I don't know why they haven't left.....must be food about. Spilled corn in farm fields is one source, and although it's snowing out there now, it's just a dusting and we don't have much on the ground.