Bosque del Apache NWR, NM

Merlins were calling everywhere

This was our first visit to Bosque del Apache, but this is one of my favorite areas within the United States. Every view is a picture. The wildlife refuge was beautiful and the staff was helpful and friendly. The refuge has a north and south auto tour loop. We joined the Sunday morning birding tour, which covered the north loop, and after lunch we travelled the south loop. This site is well known for the large population of Sandhill Cranes, Ross' Geese, and Snow Geese that overwinter here. The Rio Grande flows through the refuge and the area is now managed to support the wildlife populations. When we arrived in early March, there were only a few of each of these species left, but there was still plenty to see. You could easily spend a few hours birding the area around the Visitor's Center (and I did!). As soon as we arrived we saw a group of Gambel's Quail, my target species at the refuge. Since the refuge I have seen one individual at a time at other locations in New Mexico and Arizona, but there were large numbers of them here and they were just about everywhere around the Visitor's Center. 

A male Gambel's Quail hurrying across an open area

Long-tailed Weasel

The refuge was great for birding and we saw at least 50 species. I saw my first Gambel's Quail, Cinnamon Teal, a Peregrine Falcon, a white morph Ferruginous Hawk, and Black and Say's Phoebes. In addition to the birds, we saw Striped Skunks, Javelina, Rock Squirrels, elk, raccoons, rabbits, and Long-tailed Weasels! This refuge quickly became one of our favorites and we will definitely be back. 

A Peregrine Falcon enjoying breakfast

Another breathtaking view

A boardwalk to one of the trails

A view from the far side of the north loop near sunset

Just a reminder that there are wildlife in this area! Be on the lookout for mountain lions, coyotes (which we hoped to see, but did not), javelina, and snakes. Be mindful of your surroundings and pay attention to posted signs.

Here's a link to their website:
http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bosque_del_Apache/

and to the Friends of Bosque del Apache website:
http://www.friendsofthebosque.org