Map to Bosque Del Apache | Map of Tour Route
Located about 100 miles south of Albuquerque near San Antonio, New Mexico, the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is one of North America's premier areas for wintering waterfowl. Thousands of ducks of numerous varieties, both Canada and snow geese, and the majestic sandhill cranes come to the Bosque from the north for winter habitat. This habitat is provided by marshes from water impounded from the Rio Grande and from grain planted by neighboring farmers on a shared-crop basis. They provide manpower, seed and farm equipment, leaving one-third of their crops in the field for wildlife. The remaining 2/3 grown on refuge land and with refuge water they can keep and sell.The Bosque del Apache represents an important sanctuary for the preservation of endangered
species. This role began with the formerly-endangered greater sandhill crane, now out of danger,
and currently bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and whooping cranes find protection in the refuge. In
total 295 different bird species and over 400 different mammals, reptiles and amphibians are
provided habitat in the Bosque del Apache.
We will arrive at the ponds where the cranes and geese congregate around sunrise. [see Bosque
Photos] Later, our visit will include a stop at the visitor center [see Map] where you will have the
opportunity to see a video and/or hear a talk about the refuge and the wildlife it supports. In
addition, the center's many exhibits will help you to understand the human and natural history of
the area. Refuge personnel will be available to answer questions, and you should be sure to pick
up a copy of the visitor guide and map. Bird counts are updated often, and bird and mammal lists
are in the visitor center. Our stay at the visitor center will last approximately one hour. From
there we will head south on the 15-mile tour route, stopping at viewing stations and whenever we
see something of interest. Look for ducks, wading birds and geese on or around the ponds and
marshes in the south part of the refuge and cranes and more geese near the fields in the north end.
If time permits you will have the opportunity to stretch your legs on a one-mile hiking loop. In
this area of the refuge at this time of day the birds are very active, often flying noisily in large
masses from one area to another. We often spot coyotes stalking the geese.. Coyote kill spots are
usually quite evident with piles of white feathers. When we've had our fill the bus will head out of
the refuge to the Owl Cafe for lunch or supper. If you don't like green chile cheeseburgers you'd
better bring your own!
Assignment:
This lab is to be written in the same format as the others and placed in your notebook. The data
you incorporate should come from observations made while touring the visitor center and refuge.
It should include the following:
1) The human and cultural history of the area.
2) The functions of the refuge.
3) The whooping crane program.
4) The ecological conditions of the refuge including impacts of man & introduced species.
5) Future prognosis for the refuge and its mission.
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