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Bosque del Apache & White Sands National Park

For wildlife photographers, one of the most spectacular and photogenic assemblages of birds in the United States can be found at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in south-central New Mexico. Bosque del Apache—”woods of the Apaches”—is a 57,331-acre wildlife oasis of upland desert and floodplain established in 1939. The Rio Grande flows through the heart of this fertile bottomland bringing year-round water to the refuge. Management of water levels in man-made marshes, and corn and wheat fields planted specifically for the birds, create an important overwintering habitat for the 14,000 greater sandhill cranes, 32,000 snow geese and Ross’s geese, and 20,000 ducks of 14 species that migrate here. Cottonwood and willow bosques line the riparian areas of the refuge providing an even broader range of habitats and the animals that dwell in them.

Bosque del Apache & White Sands National Park

In 1941, only 17 sandhill cranes overwintered on the refuge due to former habitat loss of wintering and breeding areas. These days, habitat enhancement supports the thousands of cranes that fan out by day to feed in the adjacent farm fields. Huge flocks of snow geese frequent the refuge, and often erupt in explosions of wings when frightened by a stalking coyote or an eagle coursing the marsh. Great flight shots are easy here! At dusk, flight after flight of geese and cranes return to roost in the refuge marshes, making for great evening (and early morning) “birdscapes.” At dawn, the “Blast Off” is an unforgettable experience—an all-enveloping synthesis of sight and sound. Coyotes, black-tailed deer, porcupines, pheasants, wild turkeys, roadrunners, great horned owls, ferruginous hawks and bald and golden eagles are all part of the diverse photo menu served up by the refuge. And, during our visit, the lingering colors of late autumn may be complemented by a light dusting of snow.

Bosque del Apache & White Sands National Park

Although we spend most of our time at Bosque, we also head to Alamogordo and nearby White Sands National Park. Here, enormous gypsum sand dunes deposited in this intermountain valley by prevailing winds tower over the surrounding landscape. The undulating white dunes stretch for miles—like a frozen sea swell. We take best advantage of the early morning and late afternoon light to add color, shadow and texture to these wind-sculpted dunes.

Join us for the spectacular bird photography of Bosque del Apache and the surreal otherworldly landscapes of White Sands National Park.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Participants fly to Albuquerque, New Mexico and meet at the Albuquerque airport in the late afternoon followed by a one-hour drive to Socorro. (D)

Days 2 - 4
At sunrise we begin photographing the morning flights of sandhill cranes as they leave their overnight roost. In the afternoon we photograph geese and cranes feeding in the fields and look for massive “Blast Offs” as predators stalk the flocks. We search for porcupine, coyote, wild turkey, deer, birds of prey and other animals. There are also many opportunities to photograph a variety of wetland habitats. Afternoons are reserved for flight shots at last light. (BLD)

Bosque del Apache & White Sands National Park Day 5
After our last “Blast Off” photo session at the national wildlife refuge we drive to White Sands National Park. White Sands was established as a national monument in 1933 and re-designated as a national park in 2019. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand blanket 275 square miles of the northern Chihuahuan desert, creating the world\'s largest gypsum dunefield. Late afternoon photography at the dunes. (BLD)

Day 6
Today is dedicated to capturing the beauty of White Sands National Park. We arrange for a special early entry at White Sands to be at the dunes before sunrise. Endless photographic opportunities are available as the sun rises over the expansive dunes. The remainder of our time will be spent chasing light and shadow across this ever-changing landscape. (BLD)

Day 7
We have another early morning at White Sands National Park. Later in the day, we drive to El Paso, Texas for return flights home. (B)

Van Os Photo Safaris is an Authorized Permittee of the US National Park Service

Tour Details

Jan 10 2027 – Jan 16 2027
Register Now
Fee: $5,295
Deposit: $1,500
Limit: 7
Activity Level: Easy
Single Supplement: $750

Tour Highlights

  • Photograph the dramatic morning and evening flights of thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese
  • Prime-time dates for peak bird numbers
  • A premier location to refine your photographic skills for “birds in flight” shots
  • Includes landscape photography of the incomparable dunes at White Sands National Park with special use permit for early park entrance for sunrise
  • All meals, lodging, entrance fees, ground transportation, photo guide and instruction are included

Testimonials

I think this tour is really well designed. The size of the group is perfect from the point of view of a participant. Driving/riding is a significant part and it is really nice for all of us to be able to be in the same vehicle and hear the same thing when stories/tips/etc. are shared.
—Debbie M.

Tour Highlights

  • Photograph the dramatic morning and evening flights of thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese
  • Prime-time dates for peak bird numbers
  • A premier location to refine your photographic skills for “birds in flight” shots
  • Includes landscape photography of the incomparable dunes at White Sands National Park with special use permit for early park entrance for sunrise
  • All meals, lodging, entrance fees, ground transportation, photo guide and instruction are included

Tour Details

Jan 10 2027 – Jan 16 2027
Register Now
Fee: $5,295
Deposit: $1,500
Limit: 7
Activity Level: Easy
Single Supplement: $750
  • Tour Description

    Tour Description

    For wildlife photographers, one of the most spectacular and photogenic assemblages of birds in the United States can be found at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in south-central New Mexico. Bosque del Apache—”woods of the Apaches”—is a 57,331-acre wildlife oasis of upland desert and floodplain established in 1939. The Rio Grande flows through the heart of this fertile bottomland bringing year-round water to the refuge. Management of water levels in man-made marshes, and corn and wheat fields planted specifically for the birds, create an important overwintering habitat for the 14,000 greater sandhill cranes, 32,000 snow geese and Ross’s geese, and 20,000 ducks of 14 species that migrate here. Cottonwood and willow bosques line the riparian areas of the refuge providing an even broader range of habitats and the animals that dwell in them.

    Bosque del Apache & White Sands National Park

    In 1941, only 17 sandhill cranes overwintered on the refuge due to former habitat loss of wintering and breeding areas. These days, habitat enhancement supports the thousands of cranes that fan out by day to feed in the adjacent farm fields. Huge flocks of snow geese frequent the refuge, and often erupt in explosions of wings when frightened by a stalking coyote or an eagle coursing the marsh. Great flight shots are easy here! At dusk, flight after flight of geese and cranes return to roost in the refuge marshes, making for great evening (and early morning) “birdscapes.” At dawn, the “Blast Off” is an unforgettable experience—an all-enveloping synthesis of sight and sound. Coyotes, black-tailed deer, porcupines, pheasants, wild turkeys, roadrunners, great horned owls, ferruginous hawks and bald and golden eagles are all part of the diverse photo menu served up by the refuge. And, during our visit, the lingering colors of late autumn may be complemented by a light dusting of snow.

    Bosque del Apache & White Sands National Park

    Although we spend most of our time at Bosque, we also head to Alamogordo and nearby White Sands National Park. Here, enormous gypsum sand dunes deposited in this intermountain valley by prevailing winds tower over the surrounding landscape. The undulating white dunes stretch for miles—like a frozen sea swell. We take best advantage of the early morning and late afternoon light to add color, shadow and texture to these wind-sculpted dunes.

    Join us for the spectacular bird photography of Bosque del Apache and the surreal otherworldly landscapes of White Sands National Park.

  • Itinerary

    Tour Itinerary

    Day 1
    Participants fly to Albuquerque, New Mexico and meet at the Albuquerque airport in the late afternoon followed by a one-hour drive to Socorro. (D)

    Days 2 - 4
    At sunrise we begin photographing the morning flights of sandhill cranes as they leave their overnight roost. In the afternoon we photograph geese and cranes feeding in the fields and look for massive “Blast Offs” as predators stalk the flocks. We search for porcupine, coyote, wild turkey, deer, birds of prey and other animals. There are also many opportunities to photograph a variety of wetland habitats. Afternoons are reserved for flight shots at last light. (BLD)

    Bosque del Apache & White Sands National Park Day 5
    After our last “Blast Off” photo session at the national wildlife refuge we drive to White Sands National Park. White Sands was established as a national monument in 1933 and re-designated as a national park in 2019. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand blanket 275 square miles of the northern Chihuahuan desert, creating the world\'s largest gypsum dunefield. Late afternoon photography at the dunes. (BLD)

    Day 6
    Today is dedicated to capturing the beauty of White Sands National Park. We arrange for a special early entry at White Sands to be at the dunes before sunrise. Endless photographic opportunities are available as the sun rises over the expansive dunes. The remainder of our time will be spent chasing light and shadow across this ever-changing landscape. (BLD)

    Day 7
    We have another early morning at White Sands National Park. Later in the day, we drive to El Paso, Texas for return flights home. (B)

    Van Os Photo Safaris is an Authorized Permittee of the US National Park Service

  • Tour Leaders

  • Testimonials

    Testimonials

    I think this tour is really well designed. The size of the group is perfect from the point of view of a participant. Driving/riding is a significant part and it is really nice for all of us to be able to be in the same vehicle and hear the same thing when stories/tips/etc. are shared.
    —Debbie M.

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