Bosque del Apache & Balloon Fiesta 2019!

When we first began traveling and volunteering, Judith & I agreed that we wanted to experience new places and learn new things… so we would not return to places we had previously volunteered.  We volunteered at Bosque del Apache (BdA) National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in September 2016.  Then we volunteered at BdA in the spring of 2018 – but that wasn’t really breaking the rule, the birds were all different (no cranes and snow geese, etc.), it was just bending it a little.  Well, we are back for the fall of 2019, the rule is broken, and it feels like we have come home!  We love this place.

Of course the Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese do not arrive until late October, as I write this the first of these have recently been seen but the awe inspiring numbers will arrive later.  But there is still much to see on the refuge.

Raptors like this Juvenile Cooper’s Hawk, the American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, Sharp Shinned Hawk, Red Tail Hawk, even a Peregrine Falcon, can be seen across the refuge hunting for prey.

 

There are many Javelina on the refuge (properly known as the Collared Peccary) and Coyotes.  It is also not uncommon to see a Bobcat, and an occasional Mountain Lion is also seen.  Oh, and Judith met a Diamondback Rattlesnake!

Coyote (hunting)
Javalina (Collard Peccary)
Bobcat (southbound, viewed from the north)
Diamondback Rattlesnake
Diamondback Rattlesnake

Of course, there are the birds!  While not uncommon, the Great Blue Heron is such a beautiful bird!

Of course, there are many different kinds of sparrows on the Refuge … if you have the patience to sort them out!

Savannah Sparrow
Brewers Sparrow

There have also been many different Flycatchers as well as many other birds.

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Western Kingbird

Vermilion Flycatcher (male)
Vermilion Flycatcher (female)
Pheasant (hybrid between Ring-Necked and Afghan)
Greater Roadrunner
Wild Turkey

And all of the other wading and water birds.

Long-billed Dowitcher
White-faced Ibis (non-breeding) & American Avocets
Black-Crowned Night-Herons in flight

 

Great Blue Heron

Black-Necked Stilt & American Avocet

White Pelican
White Pelican (synchronized swimming)
White Pelicans

Shortly after we arrived in New Mexico, we were able to link up with Judith’s nephew, Beau, and his girlfriend, Lucy.

My daughter, Nikki, joined us for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.  It was great to see her, play some Dominion, and share the event!  The weather was not perfect for ballooning, but we volunteered with Brian and his crew, helped to launch several balloons, and learned a great deal about ballooning.

Mass Assencion
Dawn Patrol
Filling our balloon – Major Award

 

Most of our balloon crew
Mark, Nikki, Judith
Nikki & Mark holding open the envelope
Nikki on the balloon fiesta field
Balloons everywhere!
Major Award crew at Boomers Dinner

I even got to go up in a balloon!  Thanks, Brian!

Mark – Lift Off!
Floating Away!

Here is a link to a video Nikki took of my ride:  Click Here

We visited the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque.  It is an amazing place with a powerful story!  There were artisans and Hopi dancers!

Hopi Dancers

We also made an excursion to Santa Fe with Nikki where we visited the Loretto Chapel, did some shopping at the open air Indian Market in front of the Palace of Governors, and visited the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.

Indian Market
Loretto Chapel
Magical Stairs – Loretto Chapel
Nikki with street sculpture

Bosque del Apache is such a beautiful place, any time of the year!

The cranes and snow geese are beginning to arrive, so stay tuned!

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