Take a Trip Through Photos on Monday: Bosque Del Apache

Our dear Rick Greenspun, Sarasota Audubon VP and photographer extraordinaire, just returned from Bosque Del Apache National Widlife Refuge in New Mexico, the subject of Sarasota Audubon's monthly meeting on Monday, December 14. Hope you'll join us at the First Congregational Church's Fellowship Hall, 1031 S. Euclid at 7:00 p.m.

Here's Rick's report: 

I went to see the Sandhill Cranes and Snow/Ross's Geese which congregate by the tens of thousands during the winter months. The weather was cold ( 19 degrees) and we had one day where we actually saw the sun.

It was a spectacle not to be believed when just shortly after the first hint of daylight, thousands of geese and cranes "blast off"from the ponds they were spending the night in, and head for the corn fields to feed.

We also made the trip to the top of Sandia Crest ( elev. 10,680 feet) to see all three Rosy-Finches. When we arrived at the top, the wind was blowing about 50 MPH and the temp was about minus 20 degrees.

Iwas able to go out on the observation deck for only a minute at a time before my fingers were ready to fall off, but was rewarded with views of all three.

It was a trip that I recommend to everyone. Its relatively close, inexpensive and an experience you will never forget. I for one, can't wait to go back.

Snow Geese, by Rick Greenspun

Black Rosy-Finch, by Rick Greenspun

You can travel with us to the Refuge through photos! Show up on Monday to hear Maxis Gamez talk about his incredible trip. You'll enjoy stunning photos along the way.  Call 355-1709 if you have questions about the free meeting.

Despite Gray Skies, Birders Enjoy Birdy Things on Siesta Key Trolley

The Shorebird Trolley missed the rain and scored on the raptors. We ended up having more fun with all the Raptors than the Shorebirds. It all started in the parking lot (of course) with a Red-tailed Hawk on a low wire and Coopers Hawk 5 feet away on the next higher up wire. Both stayed long enough for extended looks/comparisons.

At the public beach on Siesta Key we found a Lesser Black-backed Gull in among all the Herring Gulls again fun to compare. At access 8 we spotted the American Kestrel perched on top of one of the masts in the sailboat area. Out on the Gulf we found 2 soaring Gannets and 1 sitting Juvenile. Gannet in the water. Heading back to the access 8 we spied the Peregrine Falcon perched on a balcony on the tallest building. Next we went to the North Bridge and found 2 American Oyster Catchers and 2 Red-breasted Mergansers.


Thanks to Kathryn Young for organizing the expedition and to Kathryn and Penney Hill for the great report back! Don't want to get left out next time? E-mail publicinfo@sarasotaaudubon.org and we'll add you to Sarasota Audubon Society's e-list.