[Leica] Apache da la Bosque for Birds

[dave_olson at operamail.com (Dave Olson)]

I have noticed a number of members interested in birds. When you think about 
it they are a "special" category by themselves as wild creatures. First 
they're small. OK most. Second is approachability and third, best time of 
day. Here in New Mexico we have three wildlife sanctuaries. The most widely 
know is the Bosque Apache. It is located in close proximity to San Antonio 
New Mexico. A number of years ago Federal and state wild life agents 
approached the farmers who have fields surrounding the huge area. 
Their request was simple, grow food stuffs that is eatable by birds. Well it 
took some convincing but these farmers began planting food they could 
harvest and at the same time allow for plenty left over for the birds. They 
are grains and rice. The farmers are proud of their contribution to wildlife 
preservation. The Bosque as it is commonly called has become one of the 
nation's most well known and visited. The birds include Canadian geese, 
egrets, herons, and more than I can list. It is a photographer's paradise. 
You will need a long lens as you have to stay in your car are except for 
several lookout spots. There is one area in which myself and a number of 
others stopped by one field filled with herons. We had to stay on the road 
by the birds showed little fear approaching within 20 yards or so. Remember 
this is not a zoo with cages and aviaries. It is administered by Federal 
Wildlife officers who do patrol to make sure that no one is doing anything 
to disturb the birds. There are other forms of wildlife: deer, turkey.  
So for those interested this is becoming the time when the birds are flying 
in from the far arctic. They stay until their "clocks" say it's time to head 
north to breed.   
We also have a new sanctuary that just opened along the Rio Grande south of 
Mesilla. They have planted a large number of native plants and have given 
pertinent information regarding each plant. At this time of the year some 
type of ducks; woodland, mallard are in and other will follow as the same 
plan for the Bosque in place with local farmers for growing grains and rice. 
Here youu park and get out and hike. Again for birds, a good telephoto is a 
must. No blinds allowed.

Have fun and enjoy and bring binoculars beside the cameras.
Dave Olson> ckrosebud at hotmail.com

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