FRIDAY, Nov 19, 2010 FESTIVAL OF THE CRANES 2010 Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

FRIDAY

(OLD 2009 is lised here- available till we get the NEW 2010 schedule)

Bosque Birding Intensive
5:30 AM to 9:30 AM
FR47 - $75 Bosque, Crane 1
A tour for intermediate and expert birders. You will have the most experienced guides and birding assistants the Bosque has to offer for a morning of serious birding. Coffee and pastries and amenities are provided but the focus is on BIRDING. Your host will be Cecil Kimberlin, long-time guide at the Bosque del Apache NWR. This event is offered Thursday and Friday. Limit 12.

Sandhill Crane Behavior
5:30 AM to 11:30 AM
FR48 - $80 Bosque, Lannan
The most comprehensive training on cranes offered at any crane festival, this morning-long workshop will teach you many of the common vocalizations, body language and other characteristics of sandhill cranes. You'll learn to recognize juveniles, tell subspecies apart, distinguish between dancing and aggression and many other details that will help you better understand and appreciate sandhill cranes. At first light we will listen to the cranes on their roosting spots to identify vocalizations and other behaviors. We then move to the classroom for breakfast and viewing many behaviors on film before traveling to different locations on the Refuge to watch and interpret crane interactions. Your instructors are Paul Tebbel, Keanna Leonard and Robert Kruidenier. Paul has worked with cranes for 35 years, including 11 years as the director of Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary on the Platte River in Nebraska where more cranes gather every spring than any other location in the world. Keanna has been the Director of Education at Rowe Sanctuary since 2001 and helps over 7,000 students every year understand and appreciate cranes, wildlife habitat and the Platte River. Robert Kruidenier was a full time volunteer at the Refuge for most of the last 15 years. His special stories and knowledge of the Refuge are invaluable. Warm shoes and warm, layered clothing recommended. Limit 20. Offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

Walk Out to Fly Out
5:30 AM to 7:30 AM
FR49 - $5 Bosque, Crane 1
It's early, it's dark, and it's cold, but this is one event you shouldn't miss. When thousands of cranes and geese take flight, the sight and sound is spectacular. Dress warmly and meet in the Visitor Center parking lot for a short bus ride and walk to the roosting area. Offered Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Limit 80.

Beating the Bushes: Managing Invasive Plant Species
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
FR50 - $5 Macey Center, Silver
Invasive plants take over 700,000 hectares of wildlife habitat a year in the United States. This invasion is a huge management issue at all of our New Mexico Wildlife Refuges. The Student Conservation Association, in partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, monitors, treats and controls these species throughout Refuges in the U.S., including 5 here in New Mexico. SCA members will describe what they do to combat these tenacious, unwanted plants. To view their work first-hand, consider joining them Saturday at The Salt Cedar Shuffle, SA103.

Quebradas Road Tour
9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
FR51 - $15 Macey Center, Quebradas
Tour the Quebradas Scenic Byway with staff from the Bureau of Land Management and New Mexico Tech. The tour covers 24 miles of dirt road through scenic areas with exposed geology. Stops will be made to look at specific geological features as well as the area's flora and fauna. Wear sturdy shoes; bring drinks and a sack lunch. This is a primitive area with no facilities. Four wheel drive not required. Full clearance necessary. Meet in the Macey Center parking lot. Limit 12.

Sevilleta Geology Tour
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
FR52 - $10 Sevilleta NWR, Sevilleta Visitor Center
Dr.Dave Johnson, geologist from New Mexico School of Mines, will lead a tour of the western part of the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, taking you to isolated scenic areas where the complex geology is strikingly exposed. Learn how geological formations that occurred long ago created the Rio Grande Valley. Be sure to take along a camera for spectacular views! This is a difficult driving area. You must have a high clearance four wheel drive vehicle to join the caravan. All vehicles will be inspected prior to departure. Car pooling may be required and will be arranged at Sevilleta. Bring a sack lunch and plenty of drinking water. Take 1-25 north from Socorro to Exit 169 (Sevilleta NWR), turn west and go 3/4 mile to the Sevilleta Headquarters. Limit 20.

Wetland Management
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
FR53 - $5 Bosque, Lannan
Surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert and anchored by the silt-laden waters of the Rio Grande Bosque del Apache is one of the most scenic wetland complexes in the United States. Every winter hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the Refuge to revel in the beauty of wintering waterfowl. Few, however, understand the work that Refuge staff and volunteers do to prepare the more than 2,000 acres of wetland habitat each year to ensure wintering waterfowl have enough to eat throughout the cold winter months. In this presentation Land Management Research and Demonstration Biologist John Vradenburg will discuss wetland ecology, wetland management techniques, techniques to determine how much food is produced, and how to provide water to feed the maximum number of waterfowl. A portion of this presentation will take place inside after which participants will join John on a tour of the wetland, see machinery working in the field, and witness birds responding to management techniques. Participants will come away with a positive hands-on wetland management experience. Limit 12.

All About Raptors
9:30 AM to 1:00 PM
FR54 - $25 Bosque, Lannan
Join an experienced raptor handler for this comprehensive course on the identification of birds of prey. Your instructor will combine live education birds, photographs and field observation to help you learn to recognize the plumage variations in red-tailed hawks to telling the age of an immature bald eagle. This workshop will focus on specific features of different species while also providing you with interesting information about their habitat needs and behavior. Your instructor is Dr. Kathleen Ramsay. Dr. Ramsay started the Wildlife Center in Espanola, NM, over 20 years ago and provides veterinary care for hundreds of raptors every year. She is also one of the primary field veterinarians for the New Mexico Game and Fish Department. Offered Thursday and Friday. Limit 20.

Refuge Birding Tour
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
FR55 - $5 Bosque. Crane 1
The Refuge Birding Tour focuses on the species that can be seen within the Bosque del Apache NWR. The exact tour route will depend on the distribution of birds on that day. Offered Thursday and Friday. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot. Limit 40.

Refuge Manager's Tour
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
FR56 - $10 Bosque, Crane 1
Tour the Bosque del Apache NWR with a Refuge Manager and learn about the history of the Refuge, its goals, and how these goals are being achieved. You will visit areas not normally open to the public to view methods and technology behind the scenes. This is not a wildlife-viewing tour (but there may be some incidental sightings!) Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot. Limit 40.

Bobcat: Master of Survival
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
FR57 - $5 Macey Center, Silver
While half the wild cat species worldwide are in danger, the bobcat is thriving, even expanding its range in North America. Why bobcats are flourishing when so many other wild felines are in trouble is the subject of this presentation. Join speaker Kevin Hansen as he demonstrates why bobcats truly are masters of survival.

Managing Fire
10:30 AM to 1:00 PM
FR58 - $5 Bosque, Lannan
Fire can be dangerous but it can also be a useful tool. Fire Management Officer Chris Wilcox will talk about the use of prescribed burns to accomplish resource management objectives to both stop unwanted fire and to create habitat at the Bosque. After a safety briefing, he and his crew will demonstrate many of the tools used including specialized grenades, ignition pistols, drip torches, ditch dragons and terra-torches (flame throwers). Weather permitting, there also will be a demonstration of live fire techniques. Limit 12.

Highly Portable Bird Photography
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
FR59 - $5 Macey Center, Copper
Veteran birder John Shipman enjoys the type of bird photography that emphasizes portability, going on foot almost anywhere a birdwatcher with binoculars would go. The aim is both documentation of rarities and quality pictures, although the latter generally depends on unusual cooperation on the part of the bird. In his discussion of bird photography without tripods, John will talk about equipment selection, packing for the field and photography techniques to get good results. For all levels of photographers.

Hike the Canyon Trail
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
FR60 - $5 Bosque, Canyon Trailhead
Local naturalist Gary Loos will lead the group on a 2.3 mile round trip along the wide and very sandy Solitude Arroyo and through a fascinating narrow canyon. The canyon is replete with geologically interesting formations from Tertiary time, several million years before the Rio Grande existed. Evidences of eruptions, floods, and desert dunes are there for all to see. Meet at the Canyon Trailhead 1/2 mile south of the Bosque Visitor Center. Note: because of the sand and elevation change this hike is "Moderate"; definitely not "Easy." Limit 15.

River Restoration
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
FR61 - $10 Bosque, Lannan
One hundred years ago, the Rio Grande in the area of Bosque del Apache NWR created and maintained a mosaic of wildlife habitats including wetlands, forests and a wide-open channel. These different plant communities and river channel features are still very important to wildlife and people alike. Join Refuge Ecologist Gina Dello Russo and community partners for a look at initiatives that are addressing river issues -- including biological diversity, river processes, fire prevention, Refuge and private property wildlife habitat enhancement along the river corridor. Part lecture and field trip, we will look at numerous restoration sites and habitat type examples along this beautiful reach of river. Limit 14.

Chupadera Arroyo Hike
12:30 PM to 4:30 PM
FR62 - $5 San Antonio, Historic marker Hwy 380
A "moderate" (about 4 miles round trip) hike across the desert to the Chupadera Arroyo. This place was a hangout for Native American hunters long before the Spanish "entrada" into New Mexico. Participants will find a hiking stick (2 styles available at the Bosque Nature Store - or bring your own) very helpful. Led by local naturalist Bob Merkel, it is a neat followup to his Thursday morning talk (TH30). Meet at the San Antonio historic marker on US 380 just east of I-25. High clearance vehicles recommended. Limit 15.

Birds (and Animals!) of the Bosque
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
FR63 - $5Macey Center, Silver
Dennis Dunkerson, a seasonal volunteer at the Bosque del Apache, has been photographing wildlife for over 40 years. Using photos taken during the winter at the Bosque, he will discuss identification and behavior of birds and animals you may see in the Bosque habitat. Offered Thursday and Friday.

Life and Times of Rio Grande Raptors
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
FR64 - $5 Macey Center, Copper
The Sandhill Crane and the Golden Eagle in a life and death encounter; fledgling Cooper's Hawks and American Crows forming a juvenile pack; Swainson's Hawks feasting on bats; Burrowing Owls and Ferruginous Hawks sharing the same prairie dog towns: both predators but one also prey. Hawks Aloft will share real life stories and fascinating life histories of some of the raptors that call New Mexico home. They'll bring several of their live educational raptors so you can get up close views and photographs, too.

New Mexico Tech Campus Tour
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
FR65 - Free Socorro, NMT
Kathy Hedges has been writing New Mexico Tech's alumni newsletter since 1985. Time-travel with her back to see the college as it was in the 1890s and 1930s. How did the School of Mines come to be in Socorro in the first place? What is the oldest structure on the Tech campus? When did the School of Mines graduate its first woman and first Hispanic? In this one-hour leisurely stroll around the Tech campus, she will acquaint you with some of the early history of the college. Meet her at the campus gates at the intersection of School of Mines Road and Leroy Avenue. Limit 15.

Rio Grande Cacti
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
FR66 - Free Rio Grande Cacti
The Rio Grande Cacti nursery is located south of Luis Lopez, New Mexico, in the Rio Grande Valley on the northern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert. This nursery has an amazing array of cacti native to the Southwest and grown from seed. Many of these are adapted to colder conditions and can survive in outdoor plantings or can be grown indoors. The nursery also has well-established display gardens featuring many of these "symbols of the Southwest." The nursery is only open by appointment so don't miss this opportunity to visit. More information is available at www.riograndecacti.com (575-835-0687).

Field Guide to Duck Butts
1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
FR67 - $10 Bosque, Lannan
After an introductory lecture on duck identification, participants will spend two hours in the field with duck expert Rob Yaksich learning to identify the many dabbling and diving ducks that winter at the Bosque del Apache NWR. Limit 25.

VLA Tour
1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
FR68 - Free VLA, 52 miles west of Socorro
The Very Large Array (VLA) is a world-famous radio telescope consisting of 27 giant dish antennas spread across the Plains of San Agustin 50 miles west of Socorro. In this special tour, you will learn about the history, operation and mission of this National Science Foundation project while touring the visitor center and walking to the base of one of the 25-meter (82-feet) dishes. Take Highway 60 west from Socorro to Magdalena. Continue west for 19 miles. Turn south on Route 52 and follow signs to the VLA Visitor Center. Allow one hour travel time from Socorro. Offered Thursday and Friday.

Curious Crow and Fullingim Isenhour Leard Galleries
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
FR69 - Free Socorro, Curious Crow Studio
The Curious Crow Studio and Fullingim, Isenhour & Leard Galleries will be hosting a special open house with artists at work. Local landscape pastelist Margi Lucena and oil painter Natasha Isenhour will be demonstrating their skills as they work to complete pieces for future shows. Sharon Fullingim's bronze and stone sculptures and copper-plate etchings, and Skeeter Leard's acrylics and pastels also will be featured. The Studio and Galleries are located at 113c W. Abeyta with parking available across from the Stage Door Grill.

Hands-On New Mexican Cooking
2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
FR70 - $5 Socorro, Plaza
Have you ever made tortillas, tamales or posole from scratch? Here's your opportunity to learn the traditional techniques that make New Mexican food so special. Some of the best cooks in Socorro will show you tricks for making perfect flour tortillas, scrumptious tamales, and yummy red chile and posole. You'll have a good time, get some new recipes, and, of course, taste your treats! Limit 20.

San Miguel Mission Tour
2:00 PM to 3:00 PMFR71 - Free
3:00 PM to 4:00 PMFR75 - Free
4:00 PM to 5:00 PMFR77 - Free
Socorro, San Miguel Mission
In 1598 Don Juan de Onate led 400 colonists up the Rio Grande to settle New Mexico. After many difficulties they met their first friendly Native Americans at the pueblo of Pilabo. Fray Alonso, Benavidez and another Franciscan remained behind to proselytize the people of Pilabo. The pueblo was renamed Nuestra Senora de Socorro de Pilabo in remembrance of the succor (help) the colonists received when they needed it most. By 1600, a small church had been built. It was replaced by the present one between 1616 and 1626. Limit 25.

Smith Museum
2:00 PM to 3:00 PMFR72 - Free
3:00 PM to 4:00 PMFR76 - Free
4:00 PM to 5:00 PMFR78 - Free
603 Central, SocorroTicket Required
The Smith House in Socorro is the former home of Joseph Edward Smith, territorial photographer. He and his wife Elizabeth Ann (Myscie) Driver were given the home as a wedding present by the bride's parents in 1886. From cowboys to businessmen, Smith photographed the lives of working people to show the West as it was. Along with the photos, the museum holds an archive of his equipment, written material and artifacts from the period. The home itself has been restored to its 1880s vintage. Seven generations of Smiths have now lived in the home on Central Street. Suzanne Smith, the current resident is the great granddaughter of J.E. and Myscie Smith. She will guide you through the past with a personal accounting of the home and the Smith family. Limit 8.

Socorro County Arts Gallery
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
FR73 - Free 1010 N. California, Socorro
The Socorro County Arts Gallery is home to a number of artists' work. The variety of art in the gallery includes everything from paintings, fiber arts, stained glass, woodwork, pottery, sculpture and more. The gallery is located on California street next to the Socorro Springs Brewery. Visitors are welcome to browse the works and meet some of the artists. Open attendance, no ticket required.

Iris Passcal
2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
FR74 - Free New Mexico Tech, Iris Passcal
IRIS PASSCAL supports the exploration of the Earth's crust, mantle and core to enhance fundamental understanding of earthquakes, volcanoes, crustal deformation, mantle convection, global geodynamics and the history of the continents. Learn about this fascinating area of research and watch earthquakes as they happen. Tickets are required. Limit 14.

Social on the Plaza
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
FR79 - $5 Socorro, Plaza
Visitors and locals alike are invited to the town plaza for music and celebration of the 22nd Annual Festival of the Cranes. There will be a City-Sponsored "Spirits Tent" where you can sample beer and wine from New Mexico breweries and wineries, including a local favorite: Socorro Springs Brewing Company. The $5 fee (for those who can prove they are over 21) includes a commemorative 22nd Festival of the Cranes glass.

Walk In to Fly In
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
FR80 - $5 Bosque, Crane 1
As the shadows grow long and the sun begins to set, thousands of geese and cranes return to the nighttime safety of the marshes at the Bosque. Meet at the Visitor Center parking lot for a short bus ride and walk to the roost area to view this spectacular scene. Wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly. Offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Mineral Museum
5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
FR81 - Free NMT Campus, Mineral Museum
The Mineral Museum at the New Mexico Bureau of Mines on New Mexico Tech's campus invites you to an open house on Friday evening to view New Mexico's best collection of gems, fossils and minerals. At 6:30 pm, museum director Virgil Lueth will present a 30-minute slide show of New Mexico's collecting sites. Mineral specimens are available for purchase.

Performing Arts Series: Eliza Gilkyson
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM Adult FR82 - $14
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM Senior (65 and over) FR83 - $12
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM Youth (17 & under) FR84 - $10
Macey Center, Auditorium
Eliza Gilkyson is a politically minded, poetically gifted singer-songwriter, who has become one of the most respected musicians in roots, folk and Americana circles. The Grammy-nominated artist has appeared on NPR, Austin City Limits, Mountain Stage, etown, XM, Air America Radio and has toured with Richard Thompson, Patty Griffin and Mary Chapin Carpenter. In February of 2003, she was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame.