New Mexico is home to one of North America’s true can’t-miss birding hotspots. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge located near Socorro, New Mexico hosts one of the continent’s most spectacular wildlife spectacles in fall and early winter. In October, Sandhill Cranes start arriving. The cranes are followed by an array of other species including ducks, geese (most notably Snow and Ross’s geese), and shorebirds which join together and congregate in the refuge’s wetlands and marshes. More than a dozen duck species overwinter in the area. Raptors, especially Bald Eagles, soar overheard in search of the abundant prey now available.
A true highlight of our trip to Bosque del Apache is witnessing an early morning “fly-out,” when thousands of geese and cranes take flight from their overnight roosts.
In addition to Bosque del Apache, we’ll explore Albuquerque birding hotspots. We’ll visit Sandia Peak, a haven for all three species of rosy-finches in colder months, along with area hotspots.
This trip is timed to maximize opportunities to showcase why New Mexico is home to one of the highest bird species lists in the US. We have strategically selected areas so that we have the time and space to truly enjoy our wildlife experiences in true Reefs to Rockies style. We’ll travel in a custom American Safari van with a conversion pop-top, 4WD, and spacious seating. This is not the traditional passenger van you may have traveled in on past trips. This one-of-a-kind vehicle has been specially designed by two wildlife biologists to allow for optimal viewing. It makes a perfect ‘blind’ and there’s ample room for everyone to view at the same time.Join Front Range Birding & Opticsand Reefs to Rockies for this unforgettable weekend getaway highlighting what makes this region of New Mexico so special.
ABOUT YOUR GUIDE
Carly Crow from Reefs to Rockies is thrilled to be guiding this winter adventure to New Mexico! A passionate birder and field biologist, Carly has been immersed in avian research since 2017, specializing in bird banding and field studies. Her work has taken her across the U.S. and around the world, giving her a deep appreciation for the incredible diversity of birdlife and ecosystems. With experience leading research and educational projects in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Ecuador, Carly brings a spirit of curiosity, discovery, and enthusiasm to every trip she leads.
CONSERVATION IMPACT
The Southern Plains Land Trust(SPLT), founded in 1998, creates and protects a network of shortgrass prairie preserves, ensuring a future for native flora and fauna including bison, prairie dogs, coyotes, beavers, badgers, black-footed ferrets, swift foxes, and numerous bird species. A donation to SPLT to aid in their land acquisition efforts will be made on behalf of all participants.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Mon, Dec 7): Albuquerque to Socorro ~ Morning arrival to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ Airport). There’s time for some birding in Albuquerque before making our way south to Socorro.
Accommodations: Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Socorro
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Plan to arrive to ABQ Airport by 11 am this morning.
Day 2 (Tue, Dec 8): Bosque del Apache ~ We’ll wake up early this morning and head to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge arriving before sunrise and the dawn “Fly Out”. Breakfast will be back at our hotel and then we’ll explore additional area hotspots before an afternoon return to Bosque to enjoy the refuge’s Auto Tour Loop from the comfort of our wildlife viewing vehicle.
Accommodations: Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Socorro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 (Wed, Dec 9): Socorro to Albuquerque ~ We make our way back to Albuquerque today. This afternoon, we’ll visit Rio Grande Nature Center. More than 300 species of birds have been observed at Rio Grande Nature Center, including the greater roadrunner, New Mexico’s state bird. Other stops may be added based on group’s interests and recent sightings.
Accommodations: Hampton Inn & Suites Albuquerque North/I-25
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4 (Thu, Dec 10): Departure ~ We’ll start with a visit to Sandia Crest, a hotspot just east of Albuquerque, that’s a winter haven for flocks of gray-crowned, black, and brown-capped rosy-finches. We have until this afternoon to continue birding Albuquerque area hotspots. Locations will be determined based on group’s interests and recent sightings.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Plan to depart ABQ Airport at 4 pm or later today.
DETAILS
Price:$2195* per person based on two people sharing a double occupancy room. Add $245** if you prefer a private, single occupancy room.
Inclusions:accommodations, transportation in “The Roaming Bison” Custom Safari Van, driver/guide, daily guided wildlife viewing with spotting scope available, entrance fees, and all meals starting with lunch on Day 1 through luncheon Day 4. Trip starts and ends at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ Airport).
Exclusions: flights, travel insurance, gratuities, optional activities, and personal expenses.
*Reflects payment by check or ACH. Credit card fees assessed at time of payment.
**If you are a solo traveler hoping to share a room, we’ll do our best to pair you. If we’re unable to find you a roommate, the private room option will apply.
Group Size:Min 4 and Max 7 participants + Guide Carly Crow. We are known for having smaller group sizes with a better participant to guide ratio than most companies offering similar itineraries.
Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Most of our observations at Bosque del Apache will be from the Roaming Bison. When seeking out birds on foot, there will be primarily short to moderate walks on a variety of terrain, though mostly even. In some of the mountain canyons, we will walk mostly on established trails of varying steepness with some uneven, rocky terrain. Opportunities to walk off trail under trees with a grass understory exist but are not required. Snowy conditions are possible at Sandia Peak. Most walks will be less than a mile with a total distance of up to two to three miles on a given day. Ability to climb up and down from a passenger van that is lifted for 4WD (stool provided) is required.
