Bosque del Apache
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Cranes on the Rio Grande River at Sunset
Cranes and snowgeese gather to roost at sunset on the Rio Grande river. Cranes are the oldest birds alive today with fossil records going to nearly 3 million years back. It is humbling to realize that we are witnessing a scene from a prehistoric times.
Wintering sandhill cranes gather to feed and socialize on a harvested corn field in late afternoon at the Bosque del Apache NWR. While not as gregarious as snowgeese, socializing such as seen here is an important part of their daily lives. I liked the light from the setting sun, and the chaos and dust created by the cranes for a pleasing scene.
Sandhill Crane Banking to Land
A sandhill crane banks as it lands in a cornfield at the Bosque del Apache NWR. I liked the topwing view of the crane framed by the Chupadera mountains in background.
Snowgeese Liftoff Abstract at Sundown
Snowgeese take off to roost after feeding and socializing at dusk at the Bosque Del Apache NWR. Snowgeese are highly gregarious birds and their flocks usually number in the thousands. Their liftoff in unison is accompanied by high pitch calls and rush of wings, and is a sight to behold.
Snowgeese wait to take off at dawn in Bosque del Apache. Like most ducks and geese in winter, snowgeese roost in shallow open waters in large colonies. With their numbers and bright plumage, they are always pleasing to photograph as a group in the soft morning light.
The rush of the geese flock as they take off and fly at dawn has to be seen to be believed.
After creating images of snow geese in large numbers, I wanted to take a closeup of their take off. This smaller group along with the clear blue waters and warm morning light created an intimate scene.
Brilliant evening skies highlight resting snow geese in Bosque del Apache.
A sandhill crane pair takes off to start the day at the Bosque Del Apache NWR. Cranes roost in large numbers, but unlike snowgeese, take off either in pairs or small numbers. Here, the rising sun made the background glow creating a complement to icy waters of the Rio Grande river.
Snowgeese fill the skies in late afternoon at the Bosque Del Apache NWR. The gregarious nature of these birds provide opportunities for dramatic images.
Snowgeese gather in the thousands to rest in the afternoon. They use this occasion to socialize before resuming feeding.
Sandhill cranes land to join their feeding colleagues at a cornfield in the Bosque del Apache NWR. I particularly liked the dynamics in this image that conveys the social behavior of these birds as well as the chaos of feeding at end of the day before going to roost.
Sandhill Cranes Takeoff Abstract
A group of sandhill cranes take off past sundown to their roosting spot at the Bosque del Apache NWR. I was shooting long exposure panning shots and liked the combination of the cranes against the cornfield they were feeding on, especially in the evening light.
Snowgeese fill the evening skies at the Bosque del Apache NWR on their way to roost. Mountainous scenery and colorful skies in the area provide a setting for dramatic images at this location.
A flock of snowgeese fly in search for food at Bosque del Apache before they turn in for the day. I liked the scene with evening light, mountains and golden grass.
On one of the mornings at Bosque del Apache, I noticed an unusually large snowgeese flock portending a spectacular take off. I was not disappointed and with the sky providing a perfect backdrop, it was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A flock of cranes is silhouetted against a cloudless sky as they fly back to their roosting grounds past sunset at Bosque del Apache.
A Say's phoebe perches on a dried sunflower plant at the Bosque Del Apache NWR. I liked the complementary colors of the phoebe, the dried stalks and background in afternoon light.
A flock of Canada geese feeding in grass along with a sandhill crane at Bosque Del Apache NWR. Occasionally all the birds would all raise their heads to scan their surroundings for danger. Non-predatory birds usually feed in flocks where several pairs of eyes are available to spot signs of danger. Here, I found the scene with golden grass and distant cottonwood trees very attractive.
Sandhill Cranes Feeding at Sunset
Sandhill cranes actively feed on the Rio Grande river at sun down. Their food consists of grains, vegetation, insects and molluscs. I was drawn to the texture of the water in the evening light.
Snowgeese and Sandhill Cranes Flying in to Roost
Cranes and geese fly in to roost at dusk in Bosque del Apache. With its brilliant skies and number of birds, the place provides a perfect setting for birdscapes.
