SUNDAY, Nov 21, 2010 FESTIVAL OF THE CRANES Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

SUNDAY

(OLD 2009 is lised here- available till we get the NEW 2010 schedule)

Walk Out to Fly Out
5:30 AM to 7:30 AM
SU106 - $5 Bosque, Crane 1
It's early, it's dark, and it's cold, but this is one event you shouldn't miss. When thousands of cranes and geese take flight, the sight and sound is spectacular. Dress warmly and meet in the Visitor Center parking lot for a short bus ride and walk to the roosting area. Offered Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mountain Birding
8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
SU107 - $10 Water Canyon, meet at Macey Center
Join leader Mary Alice Root, keynote speaker John Marzluff, Rob Yaksich and members of the New Mexico Ornithological Society on this 1 to 2 mile bird walk/hike at 7000 feet. Mary Alice knows Water Canyon's winter bird life, which may include Acorn and Hairy Woodpeckers, Western and Mountain Bluebirds, Bushtits, White-breasted and Pygmy Nuthatches, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Dark-eyed Juncos. John Marzluff will be along to point out the corvids, including Steller's, Pinyon and Scrub Jays, ravens and crows. Sturdy shoes and layered clothing is advised. Rob will point out whatever the others miss. We'll carpool from Macey Center parking lot. Offered Saturday, Sunday. Limit 30.

All About Cranes
8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
SU108 - $5 Bosque, Lannan
Cranes are fascinating birds to watch once you understand their actions and calls. This 1.5 hour seminar will lead you through basic crane biology and what to look for when crane-watching on the Refuge. You'll also receive a booklet explaining different crane actions so you can recognize them in the field. Your instructor, Paul Tebbel, was a crane biologist and crane sanctuary manager for many years and likes visiting various places in North America to shoot video of crane nests, crane behavior and other things involving his favorite birds. Limit 30.

Bosque Raptor Tour
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
SU109 - $5 Bosque, Crane 1
Join members of Hawkwatch International to scout out raptors (and other birds) during this guided tour of the Bosque del Apache. Led by Roger Grimshaw and assisted by Art Arenholz and Ken Babcock, expect to see the best the Bosque has to offer in its open-to-the-public areas. Offered Saturday and Sunday. Limit 22. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Canyon Trail Hike
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
SU110 - $5 Bosque, Canyon Trailhead
Local naturalist Bob Merkel will lead the group on a 2.3 mile round trip along the wide and very sandy Solitude Arroyo and through a fascinating narrow canyon. The canyon is replete with geologically interesting formations from Tertiary time, several million years before the Rio Grande existed. Evidences of eruptions, floods, and desert dunes are there for all to see. Meet at the Canyon Trailhead 1/2 mile south of the Bosque Visitor Center. Note: because of the sand and elevation change this hike is "Moderate"; definitely not "Easy." Limit 15.

Refuge Tour
9:00 AM to 11:00 AMSU111 - $5
2:00 PM to 4:00 PMSU114 - $5
Bosque, Crane 1
This is a rare opportunity to explore seldom-visited areas of the Refuge with knowledgeable tour guides. Your hosts will help identify birds and explain how the land and water you see are managed to benefit wildlife. See spectacular views of cranes, geese, ducks and raptors, and perhaps even turkeys. Tours are offered Saturday and Sunday. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot. Limit 80.

Invertebrate Atlantis
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
SU112 - $5 Bosque, Lannan
Leigh Ann Vradenburg will show you a world that you may never have known existed- that of insects and other invertebrates living underwater and providing a vital link in the aquatic food chain. Participants will learn about various invertebrates found at the Bosque del Apache and their role as predator and prey in wetland dynamics. Leigh Ann will describe sampling techniques and explain the use of aquatic insects as indicators of water quality. Through digital microscopy you will explore the humble beginnings of dragonflies, mosquitoes, beetles, and many other insects seen at the Refuge. Limit 20.

Junior Naturalist Tour
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
SU113 - $1 Bosque, Crane 1
Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to join naturalist Daniel Perry for a special tour of the Refuge. Depending on weather and habitat conditions, children may take a short hike, may use nets to catch critters in the marsh, and see pack rat nests and beaver activity. Parents are welcome and must accompany their children (no charge). Offered Saturday and Sunday. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot.