
I first visited Bosque del Apache in August 2003. Having heard of its legendary assembly of winter geese and cranes, I found a means for combining work in Santa Fe with pleasure at the Bosque. Summer is not a season most visitors come to the reserve, because the winter extravaganza begins nearer Thanksgiving and lasts until early spring. Still, I was new to bird photography, and there was a wealth of subjects to entertain me. I enjoyed my encounters so well that I returned a month later to spend more time in this wondrous place.
It wasn’t until February 2005 that I first witnessed the full Monty of geese and cranes at Bosque del Apache, and it lived up to the stories I’d been hearing about the place. I watched as acres of large white birds grazing on fields would rise in unison, overwhelming all my senses. The visual and audio spectacle defied adequate description. I didn’t visit Bosque again until March 2016, but I was late for the winter birds on that trip.
Now in 2020, at the end of November, I found the opportunity to visit this refuge when winter madness promises a bird extravaganza. However, the curse of 2020 seems to have affected the hordes of geese and cranes I would expect to find here. The spectacle of 2003 I’d hoped for would not repeat on this tour. There was perhaps only 10% of the geese and cranes I’d seen in 2003 on the reserve during this visit. I’m not sure what the reason was for the poor showing. It could be the food and water supplies on the reserve weren’t what they used to be, or perhaps something in the weather systems this year had altered the migration timing. But even a slow day at Bosque del Apache is better than the best day at most other birding destinations I’ve been to.
For me, perhaps the most exciting episode of the day was in the late afternoon, when coyotes prowled between the fields and approached within a few feet of my position. In my experience, rarely does a situation occur where the lens on my camera is too big for the situation. However, such was the case this day when a young coyote ran past me so near, I could not fit him in the frame. Yet, the experience left me with a smile that lasted the rest of the day.
The creatures I photographed on this expedition were Buffleheads, Bushtits, Coyotes, Greater Roadrunners, Merlins, Mountain Bluebirds, Northern Harriers, Northern Pintails, Red-Winged Blackbirds, Ross’s Geese, Sandhill Cranes, Say’s Phoebes, Snow Geese, Western Meadowlarks, and White-Crowned Sparrows.

Bufflehead(Bucephala albeola) |
Description: Buffleheads remained frustratingly distant for good images. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 12:30 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: Bufflehead_D5X3149-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Bufflehead(Bucephala albeola) |
Description: Buffleheads remained frustratingly distant for good images. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 12:30 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: Bufflehead_D5X3177-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Bushtit(Psaltriparus minimus) |
Description: Of all the iconic birds to see at Bosque, I doubt many visitors seek to meet Bushtits. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 12:19 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: Bushtit_D5X3003-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Bushtit(Psaltriparus minimus) |
Description: Of all the iconic birds to see at Bosque, I doubt many visitors seek to meet Bushtits. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 12:20 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/4000 |
File Name: Bushtit_D5X3038-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Bushtit(Psaltriparus minimus) |
Description: Of all the iconic birds to see at Bosque, I doubt many visitors seek to meet Bushtits. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 12:23 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/4000 |
File Name: Bushtit_D5X3114-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Coyote(Canis latrans) |
Description: Coyotes approached more closely than I’ve experienced in the past, providing me with some memorable moments at Bosque. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 14:00 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: Coyote_D5X3618-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Coyote(Canis latrans) |
Description: Coyotes approached more closely than I’ve experienced in the past, providing me with some memorable moments at Bosque. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 14:00 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: Coyote_D5X3622-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Coyote(Canis latrans) |
Description: This canine strolled by with all the confidence of an alpha pack member. Coyotes approached more closely than I’ve experienced in the past, providing me with some memorable moments at Bosque. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 14:00 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: Coyote_D5X3669-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Coyote(Canis latrans) |
Description: This canine strolled by with all the confidence of an alpha pack member. Coyotes approached more closely than I’ve experienced in the past, providing me with some memorable moments at Bosque. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 14:01 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: Coyote_D5X3701-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Coyote(Canis latrans) |
Description: This canine strolled by with all the confidence of an alpha pack member. Coyotes approached more closely than I’ve experienced in the past, providing me with some memorable moments at Bosque. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 14:02 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: Coyote_D5X3729-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Coyote(Canis latrans) |
Description: Coyotes approached more closely than I’ve experienced in the past, providing me with some memorable moments at Bosque. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 15:08 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: Coyote_D5X4157-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Coyote(Canis latrans) |
Description: This young coyote was rather skittish as it passed by my position. Coyotes approached more closely than I’ve experienced in the past, providing me with some memorable moments at Bosque. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 15:30 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/4000 |
File Name: Coyote_D5X4278-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Greater Roadrunner(Geococcyx californianus) |
Description: It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 13:28 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: GreaterRoadrunner_D5X3388-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Merlin(Falco columbarius) |
Description: Spotting this Merlin as it sailed over my position was a surprise. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 15:05 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: Merlin_D5X4071-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Mountain Bluebird(Sialia currucoides) |
Description: This was my first Mountain Bluebird sighting at Bosque. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 12:13 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: MountainBlueBird_D5X2998-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Mountain Bluebird(Sialia currucoides) |
Description: This was my first Mountain Bluebird sighting at Bosque. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 12:13 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: MountainBlueBird_D5X2999-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Northern Harrier(Circus hudsonius) |
Description: Northern Harriers sailed by the fields where cranes and geese loafed, seeking foraging opportunities of their own. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 14:23 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: NorthernHarrier_D5X3953-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Northern Harrier(Circus hudsonius) |
Description: Northern Harriers sailed by the fields where cranes and geese loafed, seeking foraging opportunities of their own. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 14:23 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: NorthernHarrier_D5X3964-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Northern Pintail(Anas acuta) |
Description: It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 11:43 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: NorthernPintail_D5X2946-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Northern Pintail(Anas acuta) |
Description: It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 15:14 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: NorthernPintail_D5X4255-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Red-Winged Blackbird(Agelaius phoeniceus) |
Description: When the Red-Winged Blackbirds weren’t foraging in the weedy fields, they were soaring over the field in murmurating formations. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 8:50 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/8000 |
File Name: RedWingedBlackbird_D5X2470-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Red-Winged Blackbird(Agelaius phoeniceus) |
Description: When the Red-Winged Blackbirds weren’t foraging in the weedy fields, they were soaring over the field in murmurating formations. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 13:43 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: RedWingedBlackbird_D5X3429-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Red-Winged Blackbird(Agelaius phoeniceus) |
Description: When the Red-Winged Blackbirds weren’t foraging in the weedy fields, they were soaring over the field in murmurating formations. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 13:45 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: RedWingedBlackbird_D5X3470-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Ross's Goose(Anser rossii) |
Description: Numbers of white geese at Bosque were low during my visit, but the Ross's Geese seemed to outnumber the Snow Geese. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 11:03 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: RossGoose_D5X2862-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Ross's Goose(Anser rossii) |
Description: Numbers of white geese at Bosque were low during my visit, but the Ross's Geese seemed to outnumber the Snow Geese. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 13:00 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: RossGoose_D5X3222-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Ross's Goose(Anser rossii) |
Description: Numbers of white geese at Bosque were low during my visit, but the Ross's Geese seemed to outnumber the Snow Geese. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 13:00 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: RossGoose_D5X3231-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Ross's Goose(Anser rossii) |
Description: Numbers of white geese at Bosque were low during my visit, but the Ross's Geese seemed to outnumber the Snow Geese. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 14:04 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: RossGoose_D5X3794-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Sandhill Crane(Grus canadensis) |
Description: I can remember past visits when Sandhill Cranes calmly walked within a few yards of observers here, but not so this day. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 9:43 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/8000 |
File Name: SandhillCrane_D5X2526-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Sandhill Crane(Grus canadensis) |
Description: I can remember past visits when Sandhill Cranes calmly walked within a few yards of observers here, but not so this day. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 12:48 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: SandhillCrane_D5X3181-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Sandhill Crane(Grus canadensis) |
Description: I can remember past visits when Sandhill Cranes calmly walked within a few yards of observers here, but not so this day. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 13:38 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: SandhillCrane_D5X3401-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Sandhill Crane(Grus canadensis) |
Description: I can remember past visits when Sandhill Cranes calmly walked within a few yards of observers here, but not so this day. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 13:46 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: SandhillCrane_D5X3473-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Sandhill Crane(Antigone canadensis) |
Description: I can remember past visits when Sandhill Cranes calmly walked within a few yards of observers here, but not so this day. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 14:37 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: SandhillCrane_D5X4007-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Say's Phoebe(Sayornis saya) |
Description: I don’t believe I’ve ever visited Bosque without meeting Say's Phoebes. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 11:52 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: SaysPhoebe_D5X2961-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Snow Goose(Anser caerulescens) |
Description: Numbers of white geese at Bosque were low during my visit, but the Ross's Geese seemed to outnumber the Snow Geese. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 9:56 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/8000 |
File Name: SnowGoose_D5X2552-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Snow Goose(Anser caerulescens) |
Description: Numbers of white geese at Bosque were low during my visit, but the Ross's Geese seemed to outnumber the Snow Geese. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 10:53 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/8000 |
File Name: SnowGoose_D5X2707-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Snow Goose(Anser caerulescens) |
Description: Numbers of white geese at Bosque were low during my visit, but the Ross's Geese seemed to outnumber the Snow Geese. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 13:27 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: SnowGoose_D5X3356-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Snow Goose(Anser caerulescens) |
Description: Numbers of white geese at Bosque were low during my visit, but the Ross's Geese seemed to outnumber the Snow Geese. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 13:42 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: SnowGoose_D5X3416-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Snow Goose(Anser caerulescens) |
Description: This blue-phase Snow Goose knows how to stand out in a crowd. Numbers of white geese at Bosque were low during my visit, but the Ross's Geese seemed to outnumber the Snow Geese. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 15:14 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: SnowGoose_D5X4235-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Snow Goose(Anser caerulescens) |
Description: This blue-phase Snow Goose knows how to stand out in a crowd. Numbers of white geese at Bosque were low during my visit, but the Ross's Geese seemed to outnumber the Snow Geese. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 15:14 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/8000 |
File Name: SnowGoose_D5X4242-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


Western Meadowlark(Sturnella neglecta) |
Description: I don’t believe I’ve ever visited Bosque without meeting Western Meadowlarks on the road to the “Flight Deck”. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 8:48 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: WesternMeadowLark_D5X2450-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |


White-Crowned Sparrow(Zonotrichia leucophrys) |
Description: It came as no surprise to me that White-Crowned Sparrows were among the most numerous passerines on the reserve. It was a relatively slow day for birds at Bosque del Apache, but even a slow day there beats most places I’ve birded. |
Date Taken: 2020:11:30 9:29 |
Location:
Bosque del Apache NWR |
Camera Information: NIKON D5, 800 mm, f/8.0, 1/4000 |
File Name: WhiteCrownedSparrow_D5X2508-BosqueDelApache |
© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com |

Click map markers to reveal further information