SATURDAY, Nov 20, 2010 FESTIVAL OF THE CRANES 2010 Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

SATURDAY

(OLD 2009 is lised here- available till we get the NEW 2010 schedule)
Walk Out to Fly Out
5:30 AM to 7:30 AM
SA85 - $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.

Mountain Birding
8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
SA86 - $10 Water Canyon, meet at Macey Center
Join leader Mary Alice Root, keynote speaker John Marzluff, Rob Yaksich and members of the New Mexico Ornithological Society on this 1- to 2-mile bird walk/hike at 7000 feet. Mary Alice knows Water Canyon's winter bird life, which may include Acorn and Hairy Woodpeckers, Western and Mountain Bluebirds, Bushtits, White-breasted and Pygmy Nuthatches, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Dark-eyed Juncos. John Marzluff will be along to point out the corvids, including Steller's, Pinyon and Scrub Jays, ravens and crows. Rob will point out whatever the others miss. Sturdy shoes and layered clothing is advised. We'll carpool from Macey Center parking lot. Offered Saturday, Sunday. Limit 30.

All About Cranes
8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
SA87 - $5 Bosque, Lannan
Cranes are fascinating birds to watch once you understand their actions and calls. This 1.5 hour seminar will lead you through basic crane biology and what to look for when crane-watching on the Refuge. You'll also receive a booklet explaining different crane actions so you can recognize them in the field. Your instructor, Paul Tebbel, was a crane biologist and crane sanctuary manager for many years and likes visiting various places in North America to shoot video of crane nests, crane behavior and other things involving his favorite birds. Limit 30.

Beginning Birding
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
SA88 - $5 Macey Center, Galena
The Festival is a great place for beginners to learn about the tools and techniques of birding from experienced birders. Celestyn Brozek has studied birds since he was a child in Poland, sharing his passion with others by teaching college ornithology classes as well as leading workshops for the general public. He will present, discuss and answer questions on all aspects of birding, including choice of field guides, binoculars, birding locations, birding magazines, organizations etc. If you have any questions about birding, come to this program!

Bosque Raptor Tour
9:00 AM to Noon
SA89 - $5 Bosque, Crane 1
Join members of Hawkwatch International to scout out raptors (and other birds) during this guided tour of the Bosque del Apache. Led by Roger Grimshaw and assisted by Art Arenholz and Ken Babcock, expect to see the best the Bosque has to offer in its open-to-the-public areas. Offered Saturday and Sunday. Limit 22. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Hummingbirds
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
SA90 - $5 Macey Center, Silver
New Mexico has one of the longest lists of recorded species of hummingbirds in the U.S. This presentation will focus on those 17 species with comments on the remarkable diversity of hummingbirds in the Americas. Natural history, physiology and migration will also be addressed. Bill Talbot has worked with bird bander Joan Day-Martin of "Hummingbirds of New Mexico" and is currently a graduate student in biology at UNM.

Introduction to Digital Photography
6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
SA91 - $30 Macey Center, Copper
This workshop is designed for the beginner through intermediate photographer. After an intensive 12-hour day, you'll be saying,"Wow, I think I can, I think I can," based on the story of the Little Engine That Could. Throughout the day, instructors led by professional wildlife and nature photographer and naturalist Jerry Goffe will test your creative juices and hand you proven tips and techniques. We assemble on the road to the Flight Deck at 6:00 am for some "on the job training" as the geese and cranes lift off. Look for red flags atop instructors' vehicles. Call Jerry on his cell phone 505-385-3333 for further instructions. The exact location will depend on the placement of the birds. We will then head to Socorro, with a breakfast stop on the way in San Antonio. If you oversleep you can catch up at 9:00, at Macey Center, Copper room, where your instructors will show their work and teach some finer points on their specialties. In the afternoon we will work around the duck pond at NM Tech with more classroom explanations. At the end of the day, we will return to the Refuge to implement what we have learned while photographing "fly in" and a great sunset. Bring your camera and flash, instruction manual, media (memory) cards, tripod, layered clothing and a sense of excitement.

Refuge Tour
9:00 AM to 11:00 AMSA92 - $5
2:00 PM to 4:00 PMSA101 - $5
Bosque, Crane 1
This is a rare opportunity to explore seldom-visited areas of the Refuge with knowledgeable tour guides. Your hosts will help identify birds and explain how the land and water you see are managed to benefit wildlife. See spectacular views of cranes, geese, ducks and raptors, and perhaps even turkeys. Tours are offered Saturday and Sunday. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot. Limit 80.

Water in the Desert: Plants and Animal Habitats
10:00 AM to Noon
SA93 - $5 Bosque, Marsh Trailhead
Join this 2 hour walk from Cattail marshes to Four Wing Salt Bush dry sandy desert. Enjoy a 1.5 mile leisurely nature walk with Cheryl Learn and Jo Ann Wade, volunteer naturalists. We will examine the range of plants that grow from the marsh up into the surrounding Chihuahua Desert. We will also be on the lookout for denizens of this beautiful area of Bosque del Apache such as migrating birds, water fowl, possibly butterflies and dragonflies. We may even see animal tracks. Bring your binoculars, sunscreen, water, gloves, hat and dress in layers. We meet at the Marsh Loop Trailhead. Offered Thursday and Saturday. Limit 12.

Counting Birds at the Bosque
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
SA94 - $5 Bosque, Lannan
Have you ever wondered how the birds at the Bosque are counted? How does one go about determining how many Sandhill Cranes are here this week? Wildlife biologist Colin Lee will show you how he does it, using aerial photos, computer software, and...beans! After walking you through some practice exercises, he'll take you out in the field and let you try your new counting skills. Limit 13.

Snow Goose Ecology
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
SA95 - $5 Macey Center, Silver
Founded in 1937 for the protection of migrating and wintering Sandhill cranes Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge has become one of the most important wetland complexes in the southwestern United States. Although the original purpose was for Sandhill cranes, the Refuge benefits myriad migratory and resident wildlife species. During the wintering period one of the most spectacular visiting species is the light geese. However, the light geese are a relative new comer to Bosque del Apache NWR and with changes in their populations come new and challenging population management issues. In this presentation Land Management Research and Demonstration Biologist John Vradenburg will discuss the life history of the light geese that migrate through and winter in the Middle Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico. Topics will include breeding areas of this population, migration routes, foraging tactics, population dynamics, and management actions implemented for this population. Limit 25.

The Way It Really Was Part 1
Noon to 1:30 PM
SA96 - Free Sevilleta NWR, Conference Room
Alvino Contreras grew up herding sheep on the Sevilleta Grant. Each trail, spring and hill had a name that was important. The names were guides through the landscape or warnings of things that had happened in the past. Alvino is a popular presenter and offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the way it really was. A tour of some of the sites he talks about is also offered (see "The Way It Really Was Part 2", Sa102). Limit 30.

Trinity Site Tour
Noon to 5:30 PM
SA97 - $40 San Antonio, Owl Bar
Fred Hollis, retired employee of the White Sands Missile Range and Trinity Site history buff, will be your guide on this tour of the site of the first atomic detonation. The tour begins at the Owl Bar, where the Los Alamos scientists stayed during the blast. The Bar was the community meeting place and had the only phone in town. It is also famous for its green chile cheeseburgers! A coach (with rest room) will take you to the Trinity Site as well as to the McDonald Ranch House. Wear walking shoes and layered clothing and bring a photo ID. This tour is offered on Wednesday and Saturday. Meet in the Owl Bar Meeting Room for lunch (included) at noon, and be sure to make your lunch selections when you register. Leave for White Sands at 1 pm. Limit 40.

Birds in Winter
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
SA98 - $5 Macey Center, Galena
From Arctic to Antarctic (and in New Mexico, too), birds survive the winter living in snow, hunting in snow, sleeping together to keep warm, and using other surprising strategies to adapt to cold and scarce food. Celestyn Brozek's program will include discussion, photographs, and movie clips illustrating bird life in winter. Celestyn's fascination with birds started in early childhood and continues to this day. He shares his enthusiasm by teaching ornithology courses at local colleges, giving presentations, and leading field trips for various organizations.

Junior Naturalist Tour
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
SA99 - $1 Bosque, Crane 1
Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to join naturalist Daniel Perry for a special tour of the Refuge. Depending on weather and habitat conditions, children may take a short hike, may use nets to catch critters in the marsh, and see pack rat nests and beaver activity. Parents are welcome and must accompany their children (no charge). Offered Saturday and Sunday. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot.

Field Guide to Duck Butts
1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
SA100 - $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.

The Way It Really Was Part 2
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
SA102 - $10 Sevilleta, Visitor Center
Following an introductory presentation at the Visitor Center (see "The Way It Really Was Part 1"), participants will tour some of the sites Alvino talks about including the sheep camp. Warm clothing and sturdy shoes recommended. Meet at the Sevilleta Visitor Center. Limit 20.

The Salt Cedar Shuffle
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
SA103 - $5 Bosque,John Taylor Memorial Trailhead
Join Student Conservation Association members on a walk to the John Taylor Memorial to view a site formerly invaded by salt cedar that has now been restored and returned to native vegetation. Their work is far from finished: disturbing the soil while removing the salt cedar has opened the area to new invasive species. For a good introduction to their work, see "Beating the Bushes: Managing Invasive Plant Species" on Friday. Meet at the John Taylor Memorial Trailhead. Warm clothing advised. Limit 25.

Walk In to Fly In
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
SA104 - $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.

Star Party
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
SA105 - Free NMT, Etscorn Observatory
This year we are celebrating the new moon during the Festival and will take advantage of the dark skies to point out planets, globular clusters, constellations and other treasures of our night sky. Dr. Dan Klinglesmith and members of the New Mexico Tech Astronomy Club will assist you in using the telescopes at the Etscorn Campus Observatory and will answer your questions. Restrooms are available. Dress warmly. Flashlights are not allowed unless equipped with red filter.