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<\/a><\/p>\nOf 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.\u00a0 But there is still much to see on the refuge.<\/p>\n
Raptors like this Juvenile Cooper\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n There are many Javelina on the refuge (properly known as the Collared Peccary) and Coyotes.\u00a0 It is also not uncommon to see a Bobcat, and an occasional Mountain Lion is also seen.\u00a0 Oh, and Judith met a Diamondback Rattlesnake!<\/p>\n Of course, there are the birds!\u00a0 While not uncommon, the Great Blue Heron is such a beautiful bird!<\/p>\n Of course, there are many different kinds of sparrows on the Refuge \u2026 if you have the patience to sort them out!<\/p>\n There have also been many different Flycatchers as well as many other birds.<\/p>\n And all of the other wading and water birds.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Shortly after we arrived in New Mexico, we were able to link up with Judith\u2019s nephew, Beau, and his girlfriend, Lucy.<\/p>\n My daughter, Nikki, joined us for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.\u00a0 It was great to see her, play some Dominion, and share the event!\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I even got to go up in a balloon!\u00a0 Thanks, Brian!<\/p>\n Here is a link to a video Nikki took of my ride:\u00a0\u00a0Click Here<\/a><\/p>\n We visited the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque.\u00a0 It is an amazing place with a powerful story!\u00a0 There were artisans and Hopi dancers!<\/p>\n 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\u2019Keeffe Museum.<\/p>\n Bosque del Apache is such a beautiful place, any time of the year!<\/p>\n The cranes and snow geese are beginning to arrive, so stay tuned!<\/p>\n Next Post:<\/strong><\/p>\n Previous Post:\u00a0\u00a0Visiting Friends & Family \u2013 Summer 2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When we first began traveling and volunteering, Judith & I agreed that we wanted to experience new places and learn new things\u2026 so we would not return to places we had previously volunteered.\u00a0 We volunteered at Bosque del Apache (BdA) National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in September 2016.\u00a0 Then we volunteered at BdA in the spring … Continue reading Bosque del Apache & Balloon Fiesta 2019!<\/span> <\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a>Olive-sided Flycatcher<\/p>\n<\/a>Western Kingbird<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>Black-Necked Stilt & American Avocet<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/p>\n