FRIDAY
FESTIVAL OF THE CRANES
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
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FRIDAY |
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FRIDAY, November 21, 2008
Walk out to Fly out
Tour
5:30 am to 7:30 am Fr46 - $5
Bosque del Apache NWR, Crane 2A sunrise spectacular! Countless birds rising into the sky! Take a short bus ride and then walk out to watch the incredible flight of thousands of geese and cranes leaving their roosts. Warm shoes and clothing recommended. Offered Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot.
Black Belt Birding
Workshop/Tour
5:30 am to 10:00 am Fr47 - $90
Bosque del Apache NWR, Quail 1A tour for intermediate and expert birders. You will have the most experienced guides and birding assistants the Bosque has to offer for a morning of serious birding. Coffee and pastries along with souvenir mug and tote are provided but the focus is on BIRDING. Your host will be Cecil Kimberlin, long-time guide at the Bosque del Apache NWR. This event is offered Thursday and Friday. Limit 12.
Sandhill Crane Behavior
Workshop/Tour
5:30 am to 11:30 am Fr48 - $65
Bosque del Apache NWR, Crane1The most comprehensive training on cranes offered at any crane festival, this morning-long workshop will teach you many of the common vocalizations, body language and other characteristics of sandhill cranes. You'll learn to recognize juveniles, tell subspecies apart, distinguish between dancing and aggression and many other details that will help you better understand and appreciate sandhill cranes. At first light we will listen to the cranes on their roosting spots to identify vocalizations and other behaviors. We then move to the classroom for breakfast and to view many behaviors on film before traveling to different locations on the Refuge to watch and interpret crane interactions. Your instructors are Paul Tebbel and Keanna Leonard. Paul has worked with cranes for 30 years, including 11 years as the director of Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary on the Platte River in Nebraska where more cranes gather every spring than any other location in the world. Keanna is the Director of Education at Rowe Sanctuary and helps over 7,000 students every year understand and appreciate cranes, wildlife habitat and the Platte River. Warm shoes and warm, layered clothing recommended. Limit 15. Offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
Birds of New Mexico
Lecture
9:00 am to 10:30 am Fr49 - $5
Macey Center, GalenaSince New Mexico's wildlife habitats range from semi-arid desert to coniferous forests, it is no wonder that the bird life here is diverse. Mary Alice Root, past president of the New Mexico Ornithological Society, will give a slide presentation on birding in New Mexico. She will include information on the natural history and behavior of New Mexico’s birds as well as hints on where to find them.
Principles of Stalking Bird Photography
Lecture
9:00 am to 10:30 am Fr50 - $5
Macey Center, CopperVeteran birder John Shipman enjoys the type of bird photography that emphasizes portability, going on foot almost anywhere a birdwatcher with binoculars would go. The aim is both documentation of rarities and quality pictures, although the latter generally depends on unusual cooperation on the part of the bird. In his discussion of bird photography without tripods, John will talk about equipment selection, packing for the field and photography techniques to get good results. For all levels of photographers.
River Connections
Lecture
9:00 am to Noon Fr51 - $5
Macey Center, AuditoriumAgua Vida: Water is Life. From the Rio Grande’s headwaters at Stony Pass in the San Juan Mountains we follow the River southward, exploring river communities, riparian habitat, and the importance of the NWR system. This film tribute to the Rio Grande explores the connections we all have with the river, touching hearts through restoration and partnerships, lending our voices to the river's voice. Following the presentation filmmaker Alex Rykken will host a round table of program partners who will discuss important water issues facing all of us.
All About Raptors
Workshop
9:00 am to 1:00 pm Fr52 - $25
Bosque del Apache NWR, LannanJoin an experienced raptor handler for this comprehensive course on the identification of birds of prey. Your instructor will combine live demonstration birds, photographs and field observation to help you learn to recognize the plumage variations in red-tailed hawks to telling the age of an immature bald eagle. This workshop will focus on specific features of different species while also providing you with interesting information about their habitat needs and behavior. Your instructor is Dr. Kathleen Ramsay. Dr. Ramsay started the Wildlife Center in Espanola, NM, over 20 years ago and provides veterinary care for hundreds of raptors every year. She is also one of the primary field veterinarians for the New Mexico Game and Fish Department.
Sevilleta Geology Tour
Tour
9:00 am to 3:00 pm Fr53 - $5
Sevilleta NWR, Visitor CenterDr.Dave Johnson, geologist from New Mexico School of Mines, will lead a tour of the western part of the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, taking you to isolated scenic areas where the complex geology is strikingly exposed. Learn how geological formations that occurred long ago created the Rio Grande Valley. Be sure to take along a camera for spectacular views! This is a difficult driving area. You must have a high clearance four wheel drive vehicle to join the caravan. All vehicles will be inspected prior to departure. Car pooling may be required and will be arranged at Sevilleta. Bring a sack lunch and plenty of drinking water. Take 1-25 north to Exit 169 (Sevilleta NWR), turn west to the Sevilleta Headquarters. Limit 20.
Quebradas Road Tour
Tour
9:00 am to 3:00 pm Fr54 - $25
Macey Center, Parking LotTour the Quebradas Scenic Byway with staff from the Bureau of Land Management and New Mexico Tech. The tour covers 24 miles of dirt road through scenic areas with exposed geology. Stops will be made to look at specific geological features as well as the area's flora and fauna. Wear sturdy shoes; bring drinks and snacks if desired. Lunch will be provided. This is a primitive area with no facilities. Four wheel drive not required. Full clearance necessary. Meet in the Macey Center parking lot. Limit 12.
Refuge Birding Tour
Tour
9:30 am to 11:30 am Fr55 - $5
Bosque del Apache NWR, Crane 2The Refuge Birding Tour focuses on the species that can be seen within the Bosque del Apache NWR. The exact tour route will depend on the distribution of birds on that day. Offered Thursday and Friday. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot. Limit 40.
Refuge Manager Tour
Tour
10:00 am to Noon Fr56 - $5
Bosque del Apache NWR, Crane 1Tour the Bosque del Apache NWR with a Refuge Manager and learn about the history of the Refuge, its goals, and how these goals are being achieved. You will visit areas not normally open to the public to view the methods and technology behind the scenes. Offered Thursday and Friday. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot. Limit 40.
Common Amphibians and Reptiles of the Bosque
Lecture
11:00 am to 12:30 pm Fr57 - $5
Macey Center, Copper
Charlie Painter, herpetologist with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, will discuss the life cycles and habitat of some of the snakes, frogs, toads, turtles and other reptiles and amphibians found at the Bosque del Apache NWR. He may even bring some of his reptilian friends along!
A Birder's Guide to the Evolution of Birds
Lecture
11:00 am to 12:30 pm Fr58 - $5
Macey Center, GalenaMary Alice Root, Adjunct Naturalist, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, will explain how we know that birds shared the skies with the pterosaurs and the shallow seas and shorelines with the dinosaurs. Fossil birds from China show that well-developed social systems were present during the Cretaceous Period, some 100 million years ago. Birds have been evolving for over 200 million years and have become one of the world's most successful vertebrate groups.
Rio Grande Cacti
Exhibit
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Fr59 - Free
Luis Lopez, Rio Grande CactiThe cactus nursery is located south of Luis Lopez, New Mexico, in the Rio Grande Valley on the northern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert. This nursery has an amazing array of cacti native to the Southwest and grown from seed. Many of these are adapted to colder conditions and can survive in outdoor plantings or can be grown indoors. The nursery also has well-established display gardens featuring many of these "symbols of the Southwest." The nursery is only open by appointment so don't miss this opportunity to visit. More information is available at www.riograndecacti.com (575-835-0687).
Tapestry of Life: the Beauty of Habitat Gardening
Lecture
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm Fr60 - $5
Macey Center, CopperJudith Phillips knows that water is precious. Every drop spent on landscaping should have several benefits. Trees that shade living spaces are also nesting places and seed or nectar sources. Shrubs that enclose gardens also provide cover and food for wildlife. Flowers and grasses that color the landscape offer open spaces for hunting, sunning and playing. Suggestions for combining beautiful habitat plants in xeric garden refuges will be presented.
Birds - Going to Extremes
Lecture
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm Fr61 - $5
Macey Center, GalenaBirds can navigate across a globe for days (and nights) without a compass. They can set up incubators for their eggs with a precise temperature. They can survive for months without food. They can manufacture tools. They can solve difficult problems, predict the future and plan for it. They can create elaborate pieces of art. In this program, Celestyn Brozek will discuss the most amazing facts of bird life illustrated with numerous pictures and movie clips. Celestyn has been passionate about birds from early childhood, obtained a doctorate in biology, and taught ornithology courses at the University of New Mexico, College of Santa Fe, and Central New Mexico Community College.
VLA Tour
Tour
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm Fr62 - $0
West of Magdalena, VLAThe VLA (Very Large Array) sits on the Plains of San Agustin, 50 miles west of Socorro and is used by radio astronomers from all over the world. It consists of 27 230-ton dish antennas, which can be moved along three 13-mile arms of a Y-shaped array. A staff member will discuss the history, operation and mission of this "other-worldly" project. Take Highway 60 west from Socorro to Magdalena. Continue west for 19 miles. Turn south on Route 52 and follow signs to the VLA Visitor Center. Allow one hour travel time from Socorro. Offered Thursday and Friday.
Field Guide to Duck Butts
Workshop
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm Fr63 - $10
Bosque del Apache NWR, LannanAfter an introductory lecture on duck identification, participants will spend two hours in the field with duck expert Rob Yaksich learning to identify the many dabbling and diving ducks that winter at the Bosque del Apache NWR.
San Miguel Tour
Tour
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Fr64 - Free
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm Fr70 - Free
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm Fr74 - Free
Socorro, San Miguel MissionIn 1598 Don Juan de Oñate led 400 colonists up the Rio Grande to settle New Mexico. After many difficulties they met their first friendly Native Americans at the pueblo of Pilabo. Fray Alonso, Benavidez and another Franciscan remained behind to proselytize the people of Pilabo. The pueblo was renamed Nuestra Senora de Socorro de Pilabo in remembrance of the succor (help) the colonists received when they needed it most. By 1600, a small church had been built and was replaced by the present one which was constructed between 1616 and 1626. You are invited to visit this witness to the history of our country. If you can't make one of the tours, the church itself is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm--feel free to stop in.
Smith Museum
Tour
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Fr65 - Free
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm Fr71 - Free
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm Fr75 – Free
Ticket Required
Smith Museum, 603 Central, SocorroThe Smith House in Socorro is the former home of Joseph Edward Smith, territorial photographer. He and his wife Elizabeth Ann (Myscie) Driver were given the home as a wedding present by the bride’s parents in 1886. From cowboys to businessmen, Smith photographed the lives of working people to show the West as it was. Along with the photos, the museum holds an archive of his equipment, written material and artifacts from the period. The home itself has been restored to its 1880’s vintage. Seven generations of Smiths have now lived in the home on Central Street. Suzanne Smith, the current resident is the great granddaughter of J.E. and Myscie Smith. She will guide you through the past with a personal accounting of the home and the Smith family.
Socorro County Arts Gallery
Exhibit
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Fr66 - Free
Socorro
Socorro County Arts Gallery is home to a number of artists' work. The variety of art in the gallery includes everything from paintings, fiber arts, stained glass, woodwork, pottery, sculpture and more. The gallery is located just north of the Police Station, in the Finley Gym complex. Visitors are welcome to browse the works and meet some of the artists. Open attendance, no ticket required.
Curious Crow Studio and Fullingim, Isenhour, & Leard Galleries
Exhibit
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Fr67 - $0
Socorro
The Curious Crow Studio and Fullingim, Isenhour & Leard Galleries will be hosting a special open house with artists at work. Local landscape pastelist Margi Lucena and oil painter Natasha Isenhour will be demonstrating their skills as they work to complete pieces for future shows. Sharon Fullingim's bronze and stone sculptures and copper-plate etchings, and Skeeter Leard's water colors and pastels also will be featured. The Studio and Galleries are located at 113c W. Abeyta with parking available across from the Stage Door Grill.
Hands-on Cooking Class
Workshop
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Fr68 - $15
Socorro, PlazaExperience the fun of learning to make traditional New Mexican foods from scratch. Participants will stuff tamales in cornhusks, roll out flour tortillas, mix up a batch of red chile and learn the best way to slow cook posole. You’ll go home with a new recipe, guaranteed!
Iris Passcal
Tour
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm Fr69 - $0
Socorro, Iris PasscalIRIS PASSCAL supports the exploration of the Earth's crust, mantle and core to enhance fundamental understanding of earthquakes, volcanoes, crustal deformation, mantle convection, global geodynamics and the history of the continents. Learn about this fascinating area of research and tour the facility. Tickets are required.
Strategies in Journaling
Workshop
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm Fr72 - $5
Macey, CopperJoin author Evelyn Horn as she guides you through strategies for recording your thoughts and observations as journal entries to keep or possibly to publish. With a masters degree in English, and an ardent botanist and birder, Horn is the author of Following the Sandhill Cranes in Colorado [2004] and Still Following the Feathered and Flowered [2007]. Participants should bring a notepad and pen.
New Mexico's Native Americans: Where, When and Why
Lecture
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Fr73 - $5
Macey, GalenaAncestors of today's Puebloans, Apaches, and Navajos (who now live on, and off, 22 separate and distinct reservations in New Mexico) have been in the Americas for at least 13,000 years (they say "forever"). Wrenching changes over the last half millenium, though, have obscured their past: drought, migration, Spanish "entrada," Mexican independence, US acquisition, gold fever, The Bomb. And, whatever happened to the Piro people who lived right here near the Bosque 500 years ago? Local resident Bob Merkel has the story and some surprising answers. [Also see #Sa102, Chupadera Arroyo Hike on Saturday.]
Social on the Plaza
4:00 pm to 9:00 pm Fr76 - $5
Socorro, PlazaVisitors and locals alike are invited to the town plaza to for music and celebration of the Twenty-first Annual Festival of the Cranes. There will be a City sponsored "Spirits Tent" where you can sample beer and wine from New Mexico breweries and wineries, including a local favorite: Socorro Springs Brewing Company. The $5 fee (for those who can prove they are over 21) includes a commemorative 21st Festival of the Cranes glass. Posole and tamales also will be for sale. Come early if you plan to attend the Tango performance or the Star Party or stay till the party ends at 9:00!
Walk in to Fly in
4:30 pm to 6:00 pm Fr77 - $5
Bosque del Apache NWR, Crane 1An evening extravaganza! Watch as the evening sky fills with thousands of geese and cranes returning to the nighttime safety of the marshes. A bus ride and a short walk will take you to the roost area. Wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly. Offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot.
Mineral Museum
5:00 pm to 7:30 pm Fr78 - $0
New Mexico Tech Campus, Mineral Museum
The Mineral Museum at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology on New Mexico Tech's campus invites you to an open house on Friday evening to view New Mexico's best collection of gems, fossils and minerals. At 6:30 pm, museum director Virgil Lueth will present a 30-minute slide show of New Mexico's collecting sites. Mineral specimens are available for purchase.
Tango: Rhythm & Passion by the Otero Dance Company
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm Fr79 - $16
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm Fr80 - $14
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm Fr81 - $12
Macey Center, AuditoriumJoin us on a journey of the senses to the golden age of the vibrant and sexy salsa ... To the home of the sensual tango in Buenos Aires ... To the roots of the traditional Argentine cowboys, the gauchos. The Otero Dance company, a vibrant cast of international artists, will lure you back in time to the origins of the art forms, and inspire a celebration of the modern interpretations of the world's most popular Latin dances. Experience a timeless world of theatrical dance, music, song, color, rhythm and passion.
Star Party
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Fr82 - $0
New Mexico Tech Campus, Etscorn ObservatoryDr. Dan Klinglesmith and members of the New Mexico Tech Astronomy Club are hosting their annual Festival Star Party. View extraordinary wonders of the winter sky through the Observatory's sophisticated telescopes. Club members will assist you in using the instruments and answer your questions. Restrooms available. Dress warmly. Flashlights are not allowed unless equipped with red filter.
