E-Bird Trail Tracker
Please scroll down past the Tracker for What's New
Bosque del Apache NWR and Friends of the Bosque

eBird Trail Tracker is an electronic gateway created and maintained by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to gather information on bird sightings. It enables you to find out which birds are being reported and where at the Refuge, and to record your own sightings. These observation records become part of eBird, an online checklist program that scientists and birders with Internet access can use to review bird observation information from specific locations across North America, including many National Wildlife Refuges. eBird Trail Tracker also includes photos, audio, video and life history information for the birds
Be sure to enter your sightings at the new eBird Trail Tracker the next time you visit our refuge!
Please return to this site to see what's being seen at Bosque del Apache NWR!

Other Important Friends & Refuge News!
Please scroll up to see Current Bird Counts & Checklists

• Oil Spill Bosque del Apache
  Story- El Defensor Chieftain, Socorro
  Full Story - KOAT TV Albuquerque
  KOAT TV Slide show
  Story- Albuquerque Journal
  
  
• Wonderful Aplomado exhibit on display at the Refuge! A new exhibit in the Visitor Center at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge shows the exciting return of the Northern Aplomado Falcon's return to the skies of southern New Mexico. "The exhibit and more importantly, this falcon's return represent the culmination of many people's dreams and years of hard work."
  
  
• July 2010 Bosque Watch Newsletter is available for download.
  
  
• Special Event!
  
  August 14, 8am Visitor Center
  Gary Froehlich Little Things that Rule the World with Gary Froehlich
  

  The first wingless insects appeared on Earth over 400 million years ago during the Devonian Period. By the Carboniferous Period, some 350 million years ago, they had evolved wings and had begun to expand into nearly every ecological niche. Today there are more kinds of insects in the world than all other kinds of animals combined. It should be no surprise, then, that there are insects we regard as beautiful, as pests, as fascinating, as frightening, and even as necessary for our existence. This workshop's goal is to expose you to this fascinating world of insects, to share their beauty, to describe some of their extraordinary survival strategies, and to reveal some of their mysteries. There will also be considerable discussion on their identification. Following the slides and discussion, we will go into the field to find and observe several of the species present at the refuge. For the field-trip portion of the workshop, bring close-focusing binoculars if you have them, as well as insect repellent protection from mosquitoes. No limit; To make reservations call 575-835-1828
  
  

• Friends' Board Meetings for 2010 at the Refuge Visitor Center will be as follows: (one of these will possibly be in Albuq., so stay tuned for that update) All members are welcome, but please plan to come to the Annual Meeting!
  September 11
  October 16 (Annual Meeting)
  November 6
  
  
• Friends of the Bosque Costa Rica Trip Feb 2011: links to all info here: www.friendsofthebosque.org/trips/
  
  
• NEW- Deadline June 10!! Please Help!!!
  Hello Friends of Bosque Members, As many of you know, there is still a proposal to build a power transmission corridor across the Rio Grande Valley in the vicinity of Bosque del Apache. We have been fighting this for a year now, but we need your help by sending in your opposition by the deadline of June 10 (submission details below).
  
  Our voices were heard last year, and instead of SunZia moving forward with their environmental impact study, they did an evaluation and came up with additional routes between Socorro and Belen; HOWEVER, they DID NOT remove the possibility of routes near the refuge, they DID NOT incorporate an underground river crossing, and, with the new route options, they DID NOT remove the threat to our migratory birds. The data and technical support are there for them to minimize biological and community impact, but they must hear that we are not going to let them plow through our community, ruining our land values, hurting our economy, and endangering our wildlife. Please let them know you care!
  
  

  The Friends of the Bosque are submitting the following comments:
  On behalf of the Friends of the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge I would like to convey our opposition to the proposed study area expansion, as it does not provide any new routes that would relieve our concerns regarding the wildlife and economy of our community. Routes with valley crossings between Socorro and Belen would still pose a hazard to the daily flight patterns of sandhill cranes and snow geese, as well as the migratory pathway for hundreds of thousands of other birds. The infrastructure for this transmission corridor will mar the landscape and be visible for many miles in the open vistas of the Middle Rio Grande Valley. Though population densities are low between Socorro and Belen, tourism and land values are tied to the unique views of tthe rolling hills of Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, the majesty of "M" Mountain, and the cottonwood gallery along the Rio Grande. In concurrence with the position of the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and many others in the community, the Friends believe that an eastern route, preferably along the eastern boundary of White Sands, is the only feasible option. Additionally, any proposed river crossing must be underground across the entire floodplain to minimize threats to the avifauna that travel the Rio Grande corridor.
  
  Although "green" power is a concept that the Friends of the Bosque can support, the SunZia Southwest Transmission Project has not shown interest in addressing the ecological and economic impacts that this project will have on our region. The Friends of the Bosque will continue to educate, motivate, and mobilize our 1,000+ members, political connections, and community partners in opposition of any route configurations that ignore flyway and viewscape issues. To move forward, SunZia must acknowledge the more suitable routes to the east and south and obtain the appropriate scientific support and data to demonstrate minimal environmental impact. These resources are available, all of the partners have come to the table, and it has been demonstrated that our criteria (route and underground) are feasible and not cost-prohibitive; now SunZia must make the responsible decision not to bulldoze through the small community and wildlife that cannot handle and do not want this project.
  
  Comments can be made to the BLM via the BLM Project Website at http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/more/lands_realty.html via the project email address at NMSunZiaProject@blm.gov or in writing to the Bureau of Land Management, SunZia Transmission Line Project, P.O Box 27115, Santa Fe, NM 87502-0115. Deliveries will be accepted via courier/hand delivery to the Bureau of Land Management, SunZia Transmission Line Project, 301 Dinosaur Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87508.
  Thank you!
  Leigh Ann Vradenburg
  Executive Director
  Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR
  P.O. Box 340
  San Antonio, NM 87832
  575-838-2120
  www.FriendsoftheBosque.org

  
  
  
• Our Friends of the Bosque Oil Spill Pages- How To Help! has links to organizations and non-profits working in the Gulf and and invaluable information. Please see, please help!
  
  
• Oil Spill Disaster in the Gulf!
  The following is a quote from NWRA, copyright 2010 National Wildlife Refuge Association
  "For Immediate Release
  Contact: Evan Hirsche
  May 6, 2010
  ehirsche@refugeassociation.org
  (202) 292-2429
  
  NWRA Urges Donations to Aid Gulf Coast Refuge Friends Groups Washington, DC-
  
  The National Wildlife Refuge Association, which works with tens of thousands of volunteers across the country in support of the 150-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, today launched a Gulf oil spill relief fund and volunteer registry. With oil expected to severely impact critical wildlife refuge habitat in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, funds and volunteers will be vital in supporting the efforts of local volunteer refuge "Friends" organizations.
  
  'There are 20 national wildlife refuges in the immediate path of the oil spill, and they depend on Friends organization volunteers to provide critical support to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service professionals,' said Evan Hirsche, President of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. '20 percent of the work done on our federal refuges is already being done by volunteers; the disaster in the Gulf is going to require an even greater volunteer commitment.'
  
  While BP must be held accountable for clean up costs, groups such as the Friends of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge on the Alabama coast are doing whatever they can to help refuge professionals now to prepare for oil which is expected to reach their refuge by the weekend. Friends groups and volunteers at refuges in the path of the spill will assist refuge staff gather as much baseline data as possible before the oil makes landfall. From water samples to bird, mammal and turtle counts, Friends will help refuge staff accurately detail what could be lost.
  
  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified an additional five national wildlife refuges that are under most immediate threat by the oil spill: Delta NWR, LA; Breton NWR, LA; Bayou Sauvage NWR, LA; Grand Bay NWR, MS and Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR, MS. These refuges are historically and ecologically significant and the timing of the spill could not happen at a worse time. Birds that are nesting right now include wading birds such as egrets and herons, seabirds, and beach nesters that live in large colonies, such as gulls, terns and skimmers. Contact with a drop of oil as small a dime can cause fatalities in many birds.
  
  The National Wildlife Refuge Association works with more than 220 Refuge Friends Groups throughout the country, of which 192 are affiliates. These local not-for-profit organizations along with dedicated volunteers nationwide are crucial to protecting our national wildlife refuges and Americas wildlife heritage.
  
  To donate to NWRA's fund, register to volunteer, or learn about how oil will impact Gulf refuges and wildlife, visit: http://www.refugeassociation.org/new-issues/delta.html The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge Association is to conserve America's wildlife heritage for future generations through strategic programs that protect, enhance, and expand the National Wildlife Refuge System and the landscapes beyond its boundaries that secure its ecological integrity."
  
  Please also see: Audubon for how you can help!
  How To Help
  Our deepest concerns are for the birds and wildlife and everyone affected and in tremendous danger due to the terrible Gulf Oil Spill. We support our fellow National Wildlife Refuges and do all the people and organizations working to help.
  See this good article on what's in trouble here at Birder's World Magazine along with links to the Refuges: Important Bird Areas threatened by Gulf oil spill
  
  
• ALL 2009 Festival of the Cranes merchandise is now on sale at our online Bosque Nature Store Tshirts, jersey shirts, sweatshirts, magnets, mugs, pins and more are all at greatly reduced prices. Come and shop while supplies last!
  
  
• Get Involved!
  The Friends are seeking members who wish to expand their commitment by serving on committees or as board members. Skills vary with position but two essentials are a love for the refuge and enthusiasm for pursuing the mission of the Friends. For further information, please contact our Executive Director, Leigh Ann Vradenburg at 1-575-838-2120 or friends@sdc.org Please respnd by May 5, 2010.
  
  
• "Hello all,
  As you may recall from previous emails, newsletters, and the Habitat!, SunZia Transmission LLC is proposing 500kV transmission lines running from north of Carrizozo, NM, to Arizona. Areas near Socorro and Bosque del Apache are within their proposed route alternatives. These lines would create a mile wide transmission corridor, opening the door for up to two additional sets of high power lines. Bosque del Apache, Socorro County, and many others voiced their opposition to the original proposals, which is why the study area has been expanded.
  Excerpt from the News Release:
  'Alternative routes within Lincoln, Torrance, Valencia, and Socorro counties, north of Socorro, New Mexico will be evaluated. These potential routes have been suggested as optional routes to the initial proposed and alternative routes, north of the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), in the vicinity of State Highway 380, to avoid impacts to military training and testing operations at WSMR, Holloman Air Force Base, and Ft. Bliss Army Base.'"
  The safety of the Rocky Mountain Population of Sandhill Cranes is a primary concern of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, but these power lines could also have detrimental effects on tourism in the region. New Mexico residents between Belen and the Texas border should be aware of these proposals, but we encourage all Friends to get involved to make sure that SunZia is not transmitting green energy at the cost of the wildlife and economy of our state.
  Please plan on attending the public scoping meeting to ask questions and learn more. The public comment period will run through June 10, 2010. Please see the attached document or this website http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/more/lands_realty.html for more information on the project and submitting comments.
  Thank you, Thank you,
  Leigh Ann Vradenburg
  Executive Directorv Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR
  P.O. Box 340
  San Antonio, NM 87832
  575-838-2120
  FriendsoftheBosque.org
  
  
• The April 2010 Bosque Watch is now available for download from our Newsletter page
  
  
• NEW! After weeks of research, we have a new help page with fun and exciting news and reviews and recommendations for New Ways To Bird. Many of you have asked for a discussion of Birding Applications, Online Birding Guides and Birding Software. Now New Ways To Bird posted March 28, 2010 was written to help you, our Friends look at what's out there and decide what to do. Do you want to "carry the world in your pocket" with the great new and detailed guides available on a small device (say the iPod or your phone?) These have photos, range maps, bird sounds and calls along with amazing detailed information in easy to use and easy to search applications! Wait till you read about eBird (which guides you right to the birds which have been recently sighted- a revolutionary new application by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society)
  Many of the other guides reviewed are created by the very same people who created the guides you probably already own - Sibley, Audubon, National Geographic , Peterson and so on.
  What about taking 6 or more bird guides with you on a tiny, lightweight device, and adding a Guide to Trees, one to Mammals and another to Wildflowers? You'd still have lots of room for more!
  Then there are the Free Online Guides- read all about them here
  Introduction
  Online Birding Guides
  Birding Apps & More
  Birding Software
  ABA Code of Birding Ethics
  
  
• Mapping the Rio, our wonderful educational program has been examined in detail at the request of the Board, and was found to be a success for another year! We are grateful to those of you who devoted your time and effort to help! This was discussed at the latest board meeting March 20, Next Board meeting is May 15, 2010.
  
  
• Loss of a Good Friend
  Wallace E. Newman reached the end of his road on Tuesday, March 9, 2010. After a long and debilitating illness that he endured stoically with patience and wit, he left gladly and gratefully to embrace all that lies beyond. Wally was born June 24, 1933 in Keota, Iowa to Charles E. and Charlotte Newman. With impeccable timing he joined the United States Navy two days before the Korean War began. Following military service, he earned a degree in electrical engineering at Iowa State University and began a long career at Sandia National Laboratories, where he worked with electronic components and neutron generators. When his children took an interest in soccer, he became an instrumental part of the small group of parents who established AYSO in Albuquerque, and he went on to become a stalwart and reliable referee for both youth and men's leagues. His love of the outdoors and mastery of photography produced a legacy of glorious nature images. He used his technical skills and artistic talents to turn the Friends of the Bosque del Apache website into a beautiful and informative resource that he maintained for many years. Wally is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Patricia nee Tolmie; daughter, Karen Martin and husband, Luther; sons, John, James and Mark; grandsons, Luke and John Martin and Austin Burnham; and granddaughter, Ashley Newman. Although he was a private and taciturn man, he felt deep affection and gratitude for his friends and those who cared for him during his illness. He leaves each of you with a fond farewell. He would be deeply honored by donations in his name to the Friends to the Bosque del Apache, P.O. Box 340, San Antonio, New Mexico 87832. God determines the length of our lives, but He allows us to define their depth and breadth. Wally's life was both deep and wide. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2010, 10:00 a.m., at St. John's United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Please visit our online guestbook for Wally at www.RememberTheirStory.com
  French
  1111 University Blvd. NE
  (505) 843-6333
  
  Memorial Service:
  Saturday March 20
  10:00 AM
  St. John's United Methodist Church
  2626 Arizona NE Albuquerque,, NM 87110
  
  
  
• New- Middle Rio Grande Valley-Wide Sandhill Crane and Goose Counts 2009-2010 2009-2010MRGVCrane&Goose.pdf
  
  
• Just Posted- A Charming new video produced by NMSU about Sandhill Cranes told from their point of view by Sandy, the Sandhill crane! This is a must see, and is fantastic for children and adults alike. The video is very well done. It is around 17 minutes long and tells the history of the Bosque and Our Sandhill Cranes! www.friendsofthebosque.org/videos
  
  
• Exciting News! Joel Sartore will be the keynote speaker for the Festival of the Cranes Nov 16-21. 2010. Put it on your calendar if you haven't already done so!
  
  
• Events at the Refuge for 2010 Tours, Hikes, Lectures and more!
  
  
• RioFest Environmental Film Festival was a success! RioFest was established as an effort to promote environmental awareness and appreciation through film. Jan 28-30, 2010, Socorro, N.M.
  
  
• Submissions for Cover Art for the 2011 Festival of the Cranes brochure are closed. The deadline was May 1, 2010. Festival Art for the 2010 Festival of the Cranes
  
  
  
• All Bosque Watch Newsletters and Habitat! are always available for download from our Newsletter page
  
  
• Bosque del Apache NWR Programs, Special events and Workshops for 2010 presented by the Friends and the Refuge are now updated and may be seen by clicking on the above link.
  
  
• Public Notices direct from the Refuge are located hereBosque del Apache NWR Public Notices
  
  
• Please don't forget to put the 2010 Festival of the Cranes on your calendar for November 16-21, 2010. It will be another GREAT Festival with over 100 lectures, workshops, tours, hikes and hands-on activities are planned, ranging from the popular Sandhill Crane Behavior to special photography tours to socializing with locals on the Plaza. 2010 promises to be a banner year for programs and events, so please come again next year! We appreciate your support!. For all information about the Festival, please visit FestivaloftheCranes.com
  
  
• We have Festival of the Cranes 2009 merchandise on sale(T-shirts, mugs and pins and more) available our online store with secure ordering. Please visit the Online Bosque Nature Store and support our efforts by purchasing from our online store with secure ordering (free shipping for orders over 75 dollars) or our " Brick and Mortar" store at the Refuge!
  
  
• Each year, leading up to and during the Festival of the Cranes the Friends hold a raffle for a high quality spotting scope. Proceeds from this raffle go toward the bus scholarship program, which helps to bring hundreds of students to the Refuge each year. This year's winner was Anna Allen from Texas. Thank you to all who entered.
  
  
• We have just added a special section for the 2009 Research and Monitoring Projects at the Bosque del Apache Apache National Wildlife Refuge.
  At Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, research and monitoring help biologists develop and adapt management techniques, determine priorities, and learn more about the plants and animals with which the Refuge is entrusted. We have an annual poster symposium at the Festival of the Cranes and this was initated to disseminate information to the general public and encourage collaboration among the research community. There were many fascinating research projects that were active during 2009, and they comprise over 35 projects which include monitoring native bee communities in areas of Tamarisk removal, studies of the NM Meadow Jumping Mouse,(Southwestern Willow Flycatcher), YBCU (Yellow Billed Cuckoo) select studies, Avian influenzia, Riparian evapotranspiration studies, Fish and Invert studies, Rio Grande Silvery Minnow life stages, and much more.
  
  
• Leigh Ann Vradenburg, Executive Director of the Friends, has just begun a Twitter account to keep us apprised of interesting sightings and other special things! Check it out here:www.twitter.com/friendsofbosque
  
  
• The Latest: (see below for earlier letters and news about this)
  I want to provide you with an update on the power line proposal.
  http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/more/lands_realty/sunzia_southwest_transmission.html It seems that our voices are being heard, and "the BLM is recommending that additional alternative routes should be considered for detailed analysis and comparison in the EIS process." White Sands Missile Range has also come to the discussion table. It says that the formal comment period has closed but that they still welcome comments, so please comment if you have not already. A Rio Grande crossing just north of San Antonio is still an option, so we must be diligent in evaluating and, if appropriate, supporting their investigations into these new alternative routes through the NW corner of White Sands or along the east side of Ft. Bliss and White Sands. Leigh Ann Vradenburg Executive Director Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR
  
  
• HELP!!
  
  Hello Friends!
  The comment period for the SunZia transmission line proposal is drawing to a close this Friday, August 28. If you have not commented yet, please take a few minutes of your time to express your concern for our birds and our beautiful river valley. Visit http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/more/lands_realty/sunzia_southwest_transmission.html to learn more about the project and get contact information.
  
  On the local front, the Socorro County Commissioners passed a resolution at the end of July that stated their preference for an "alternative route that traverses the Rio Grande River in the vicinity of Arrey, New Mexico, and travels northerly and parallel to the western boundary of the White Sands Missile Range." They believe that "such a routing for SunZia's transmission lines will result in less impact on the area's economic and environmental resources than would otherwise result from use by SunZia of the proposed route across the Rio Grande River at a point just north of US 380 and San Antonio, New Mexico." And finally, the Board of County Commissioners "urges the Department of the Army at White Sands Missile Range to act as a Cooperating Agency in the conduct of the SunZia EIS and assist with the provision of a right-of-way over Range property that would eliminate the possibility of the economic and environmental impact to the riparian Bosque areas." Only with those conditions do they endorse the construction and operation of the transmission lines.
  
  The US Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office in Albuquerque will be submitting comments on behalf of Bosque del Apache and other entities under their purview. Comments prepared by the Refuge highlight the threat to the migratory, wintering, and breeding bird populations that use the Socorro Valley. The Socorro Valley has been identified as the most critical landscape in the annual cycle of the Rocky Mountain Population of sandhill cranes (approx 20,000 annually in the population) due to the density of wintering birds in one location, the limited availability of foods (natural and wintering), and the small size of this wintering area. I have attached an interesting graph (this will be posted online later) that shows how cranes are distributed throughout the valley in the winter. It is interesting to see how these areas are linked and how transmission lines will be a daily threat to these birds. Like the County Commissioners, the Refuge is encouraging the involvement of White Sands and expressing preference for a southern river crossing.
  
  Thank you for your interest, and I'll let you know if I hear any news.
  Leigh Ann Vradenburg
  Executive Director
  Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR
  P.O. Box 340
  San Antonio, NM 87832
  575-838-2120
  Please read further down the News and see more about this critical problem. Thank you for your help.
  
  
• GOOD NEWS!
  We are pleased to advise you that the Board of Directors of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has approved a grant of $5,000 to the Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR to support the Bosque del Apache NWR Educational Material Updates (NM) project. This grant is provided on the condition that these funds will be matched by $10,000 in contributions raised by the Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR. All matching contributions must be non-federal donations, contributed specifically for the project.
  Essence Morris will be generating a grant agreement and will contact you with any questions. The Board and staff of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation wish you the best of luck with your project.
  Sincerely.
  The National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
  
• HELP!
  Imminent Threat to Bosque del Apache Wildlife- Power Line Proposal
  Comment Period extended through August 28, 2009 for public input on proposed SunZia Southwest Transmission project
  BUT
  We need your help now to stop this project from impacting the Bosque and the birds and wildlife. It is a Critical Situation right now and we need your help! Please!
  Comments can be made to the BLM via the Project website at: http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/more/lands_realty/sunzia_southwest_transmission.html or via the project e-mail address: NMSunZiaProject@blm.gov or in writing to BLM, SunZia Transmission Project, P.O. Box 27115, Santa Fe, NM 87502-0115. BLM Project Manager Adrian Garcia 505-438-7424. (please put your comments in writing, though, too!)
  
  PLEASE HELP! PLEASE READ!
  LETTER SENT TO FRIENDS
  Imminent Threat to Bosque del Apache Wildlife- Power Line Proposal
  
  Friends- NOTE - ORIGINAL Letter with DEADLINE JULY 13, now extended to August 29, 2009 Please read on...
  
  The Friends of the Bosque, Bosque del Apache NWR, private citizens, conservation groups, and other federal, state and local agencies, are concerned about 2 proposed high capacity 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines through south and central New Mexico. The lines will transfer energy produced through wind and solar generators east of here, to areas in southern Arizona. It is clear that there is every intent to expand use of the corridor once it is established. The transmission route requires crossing the Rio Grande, and the proposed corridor follows Highway 380 through San Antonio just north of the Refuge. This proposal transects the flight path used by migratory birds including the sandhill cranes, snow geese, and ducks that travel up and down the river valley. Bird strikes and impacts to the rural farming community are of great concern, not to mention the degradation of the viewscape of the refuge and Socorro valley (an important resource to the ecotourism of the area). Alternate routes take the powerlines across the river between the Refuge and Hatch, New Mexico and along the boundary of White Sands Missile Range. These routes go through Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wilderness Study Areas. Although one of these southern routes may be preferred due to the apparent lesser impact on the birds, there is not enough data available to make such an important statement at this time.
  
  The public comment period for this project ends Monday, July 13, 2009. First and foremost, the Friends of the Bosque are urging everyone to request extension of this deadline so that the Refuge and interested parties can more fully evaluate alternate routes and options such as line burial. The Refuge is likewise requesting a formal extension from the BLM because there is not enough data available at this time to formalize a preferred plan. As there is no guarantee that the extension will be honored, please feel free to also provide your personal comments/recommendations on the project. We apologize for the short notice, but the public meeting in Socorro and subsequent meeting with Refuge staff only happened over the last two days.
  
  Comments should be submitted by email to NMSunZiaProject@blm.gov
  For more information please go to www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/more/lands_realty.html or call the BLM Project Manager Adrian Garcia at (505)438-7424.
  
  The Friends of the Bosque will keep you informed of this serious issue as things progress, and will, when appropriate, send out a call for input or involvement. We value your email address and promise to only use it for a minimal number of communications regarding this threat to the wildlife and ecosystem that we are here to protect. We, as always, promise to never give out our mailing list; however, if you do not wish to be kept informed on this issue, please respond to this email stating so.
  
  Thank you, and we hope that you will exercise your right to comment under the National Environmental Policy Act.
  
  Leigh Ann Vradenburg
  Executive Director
  Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR
  
  
• Mapping the Rio program has been featured in two recent El Defensor Chieftain articles: http://www.dchieftain.com/news/89182-05-23-09.html http://www.dchieftain.com/news/89403-06-03-09.html
  
  
• The Green Chile Cheeseburger Throwdown which was filmed at the Refuge recently aired on the Food Network on July 22nd, and Bobby Olguin (Buckhorn Tavern in San Antonio) beat Bobby Flay!! The Governor declared July 24 as "Buckhorn Tavern Day in New Mexico". Below is a photo of Shirleen Greenwood meeting Bobby Flay in front of the Friends' beautiful display.
  
  
  
• Friends' Annual Board meeting has been set for October 17, 2009 at the Christina Ann Lannan Educational Annex, Bosque del Apache NWR. This is the big one! Please plan to attend!
  
  
  
• Friends' Trip -Birds of Belize and Tikal, February 20-28, 2010 . Click for all details here: Brochure and Trip Information pdf
  Travel Participant Enrollment Form pdf
  
  
• Update: Dragons & Damsels exhibit of Gary Froehlich photoswill be on display at BitterÊLake NWR's new visitor center through their Sept. 11-13 Dragonfly Festival and continuing till the end of September. A wonderful Dragons & Damsels exhibit of Gary Froehlich photos of dragonflies and damselflies at Bosque del Apache opened March 3 on the Mezzanine Gallery at Macey Center in Socorro and will remain on display through April 6. There will be a reception at Macey Center on Friday, Mar. 20, preceding an event on Macey's Performing Arts Series. See also news release and photos
  
  
  
• Friends have new ByLaws. ByLaws 2009 pdf file There have been changes in our mission, among other changes. ARTICLE II: PURPOSE The purpose of the Organization is to support the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, hereafter (Refuge), and to promote appreciation and conservation of wildlife and habitat through environmental education and natural history experiences at the Refuge.
  
  
• Friends mobile site will be discontinued until November 2009 when the official Refuge bird counts resume.
  
  
• Public Notices direct from the Refuge.
  
  
• The Friends of the Bosque and Bosque del Apache NWR present Refuge Events, Workshops and programs. 2009 Programs.
  
  
• The Festival Blog will not be updated for Festival 2009 (unless there is a last minute volunteer,) but the blog for the previous Festival of the Cranes is still up , and that includes photos of the sungrebe, an historic sighting. Click on Festival blog (sungrebe photo is at the top of page) and to see more about the sungrebe and local bird sightings, please see Jerry R. Oldenettel's pages
  
  
• The dedication to honor John Taylor in conjunction with Ducks Unlimited was held Dec. 13th at the Refuge. John Tayor, award winning conservationist, gave so much to our Refuge, and we will always be grateful for his many, many contributions. The structure which was dedicated is largely complete.
  
  
• Thank You! Visitors, participants, all volunteers, our Festival of the Cranes co-ordinator, Robyn Harrison and Leigh Ann Vradenburg, the Friends of the Bosque's treasured executive director! The 21st Annual Festival of the Cranes 2008 November 18-23 at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico was a success thanks to you! For reference, we are keeping up the Festival of the Cranes web site so you can refer to the list of workshops, lectures and tours at the Bosque. Next year's Festival of the Cranes will be November 17-22, 2009
  
  
• Jon Morrison has been named the 2008 recipient of the Martha Hatch Award which was established by the Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR in 1998 to be issued each year to an individual who has provided exemplary service to the Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR and to the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Please Martha Hatch Award. We mention again that John Bertrand was chosen to receive the 2008 National Volunteer of the Year Award for the National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)! and you can read about that by clicking National Volunteer of the Year
  
  
• Please shop our Bosque nature Store -both our Secure Online Store and our Store at the Refuge. We have several kinds of fun T-shirts, new tote bags, lapel pins, magnets, mugs, Festival of the Cranes merchandise and more. Secure Online Bosque Nature Store Shirleen Greenwood is our great store manager.
  
  
• Great News!! The Refuge has been awarded $126,000 for 2 alternative fuel buses from the Federal Transit Administration. This was in response to the grant that Leigh Ann Vradenburg, Executive Director, Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR, and Friends Coordinator, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Shawn Gillette, prepared this spring. For more info, please read: E8-24113.pdf
  
  
• In coordination with the family of G. Emerson Learn III, the Friends of the Bosque del Apache is establishing the Emerson Learn Bus Scholarship Endowment. Through this endowment started in Emerson's memory, the Friends will create a permanent fund to provide stipends for New Mexico schools to visit the Refuge. Please see our special page about the Endowment and in honor of Emerson.
  
  
• Information available for the Friends Birding Adventure trip to Costa Rica March 14-28, 2009:
  Brochure (pdf)
  Enrollment Form (pdf)
  Jon Morrison's article (HTML page)
  Travel Agency link for Costa Rica 2009
  
  
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• WILD FILM, an international wildlife film festival of spectacular award-winning films, and they came to Albuquerque! There are only a handful of wildlife film festivals in the world and one of was at the Kimo Theater in October with Grizzly bear expert, Charlie Russell, who is portrayed in the Saturday night feature film. Live raptors were there to greet filmgoers. Announcement for Rivers & Birds
  Click here for schedule and details
  
  
• Friends,
  
  It is with sadness that I am reporting to you of the passing of Emerson Learn. Emerson died Sunday, June 29th in comfort, with his wife, Cheryl.
  
  We remember Emerson as one of the most out-going individuals I've ever known. An excellent birder whose favorite activity was sharing his experiences, his positive outlook toward life and his knowledge with others of all ages. He gave countless tours of the refuge and his enthusiasm got a myriad of people greatly interested in the refuge itself, as well as birding, including yours truly.
  
  On a personal note, because of Emerson, I become a volunteer at our wonderful refuge. He also took on the task of mentoring me to at least know the birds of Bosque del Apache and maybe a few more. In return, Emerson enrolled in many of our photo workshops at the refuge in order to learn how to photograph nature in a more creative manner well as the hundreds more birds they were privileged to see on their trips around the world.
  
  We also remember Emerson as president and a charter member of the Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR. He had a dream that the friends group could someday be as strong as we are today. With his leadership and prodding, the Friends have grown into a support organization to benefit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, and continue under the succeeding leadership of many dedicated individuals.
  
  We will remember Emerson and miss him for his enthusiasm, leadership, and many other fine qualities that has touched us all over the years. Our hearts go out to Cheryl and their family with our thoughts and prayers.
  
  Sincerely, Jerry Goffe
  
  Emerson Learn Memorial
  Friday, July 11, 2008
  2:00 pm
  St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church
  601 Montano NW, Albuquerque
  In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Emerson Learn Bus Scholarship Endowment c/o Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR, PO Box 340, San Antonio, NM 87832
  
  The following is a link to the blog for Emerson Learn. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/emersonlearn
  
  
• 10 Million Year Old Fossil Discovered at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge! See Story here
  
  
• We have a wonderful, creative story by Jenna Melanson on our Youth pages. Please read it here at Kid Talk You will love it!
  
  
  Click here to download this color poster for printing (1.1MB)
  
  
  John Bertrand & Executive Director of the Friends of the Bosque, Leigh Ann Vradenburg
  National Friends Conference 2008
  
  
  
  
• Fantastic News!! The Friends of the Bosque and the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge are thrilled and honored to announce that our very own Friend John Bertrand has been chosen to receive the 2008 National Volunteer of the Year Award for the National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)! We knew we were lucky to have John donating his time and talents to the Friends of the Bosque and the Refuge, but now the whole nation will know what a wonderful volunteer he is!
  Many fine volunteers across the nation were nominated, and John was chosen for his unparalleled dedication and his remarkable accomplishments . The award committee was "especially impressed" and felt that John was "indeed a worthy recipient of this award." Please read all about it here!! National Volunteer of the Year! John Bertrand
  
  
• Go mobile with the new Friends' Mobile web site! Use this for access on your mobile phone- Bird counts, News and more. Location: www.FriendsoftheBosque.org/mobile
  
  
• Thanks to the many generous donors who made the wonderful Chupadera peak and surrounding land acquisition possible! The Victory Party was held Saturday, Dec 1, 2007 at the Refuge. with a formal dedication and unveiling of a monument honoring the 267 donors who make this purchase possible! Also inscribed on the bronze plaque are the names of 85 individuals and organizations who donated one or more acres. Please see Chupadera peak
  
  
• Financials for The Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR
  
  
• Website for our Mapping The Rio Watershed Education Project! is www.friendsofthebosque.org/rio We are dedicated to education, and this is our main ongoing educational project, and one we guarantee you will enjoy seeing! The site is full of photos and full of beautiful and heartfelt poems about the river by Elementary School kids. Mapping the Rio Grande,Rio Grande Watershed Curriculum Elementary School Education Project, is a fun and innovative program, which has met with great acclaim (kids LOVE it!) Thank you for your support in continuing the project.
  
  
• Chupadera Peak Acquisition Victory! We added 6,272 foot Chupadera Peak and the surrounding 140 acres to the Refuge, thanks to your donations! More than 270 individuals, service clubs and organizations contributed amounts from $10 to $4,500 to the fund-raising campaign. Seventy-three donors each contributed the price of one acre ($450), and over $7,000 was contributed through this web site. Please read more about our purchase of this 140 acre tract which will provide a buffer zone for the peak and the adjoining Chupadera Wilderness. (and see some wonderful photos)
  
  
• John Bertrand, the great man behind the Chupadera Peak drive, has sent beautiful wildflower photos from Chupadera ! Wildflowers
  
  

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