This is another in a series of distraction diaries meant merely to provide a brief respite from the struggles of the day. I just returned from a brief trip to New Mexico to visit family and a special friend. On Sunday afternoon I made a trip down to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge to do a little photography.
Cottonwoods
Bosque del Apache is a 57,000 acre refuge along the Rio Grande a short distance south of Socorro, New Mexico.
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) There were large flocks of these little passerines.
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)
American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
I was a bit surprised to find a flock of these birds. According to man I talked to on the marsh boardwalk they have been there all summer.
White Pelican landing
White Pelican
Raincloud There were some threatening clouds to the west.
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) You may be thinking "those aren't birds!" and you would be correct.
Raccoon Cute little bandit.
Dramatic Sky
Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Great Egret in flight
Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
I believe I am correct in this identification. If not please let me know.
Northern Harrier
Some Dry Vegetation
Bosque is known for the huge wintering flocks of cranes and snow geese. I was a little early in the year to see big flocks but there were some early arrivals.
Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis)
Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane
Thanks for visiting. Please feel free to post your photos and, as always, be good humans.
Days End