Bosque del apache

[mikebinok]

I'm assuming your equipment is new to you, since you are asking us here how well it will work.  The answer is to take it out before you get to Bosque, and find out for yourself.  Your 400/4 with teleconverters is long enough for Bosque, especially if you are using a camera with cropping factor--As with most wildlife shoots, there will always be instances where you can use a longer lens, though.  You don't explicitly mention a 1.4x teleconverter, I'd be sure to have one there.  Don't forget lesser focal lengths as well, including wide angle.

There are lots of web guides to how to get around at Bosque.  Michael has a page on it on this site, if I recall.  In short, be sure you are there for at least thirty minutes before Sunrise for the morning blastoffs, stay till you get tired of it, and be there at least an hour before Sunset when the birds return.  If you aren't sure where to go, go where the crowd of cars is.  In one of Michael's old LL DVDs, he has a pretty good video report on Bosque, now that I think of it.

There are lots of chain hotels in Socorro,  choose the chain that fits your budget and desired comfort level.  I usually stay at the Motel 6, but I don't have a wife to keep happy!  Make sure to take the family out for green chile cheeseburgers at the Owl Cafe at least once.

If the family wants a break from continual bird viewing, consider driving over to the VLA radio telescope for an afternoon, especially if anyone has a science or geeky bent.

[jdlevy]

Blas,

Bosque is a great place, and the advice you got about timing is good. Once the dawn flyout is over, you might check out the pond just north of the entrance to the refuge on the west side of the road. That is also a place that the cranes inhabit and it is right next to the road. Your 400 is more than enough there. The photos of the cranes on my web site were taken at that location. I was using a Sigma 50-500 on a Canon D60. See My Bosque Pix

Late November or early December is, I have heard, better than early November. In either case it will be quite cold in the morning and at dusk, so dress accordingly.

Good luck.

[BlasR]

Thank You so much..I will be driving there on the 25th from Santa Barbara...So i guess I will be there on the 26th afternoon...I reserved I hotel room on holyinn xpress.

I guess is the besto over there,,,From there i will go back to white sand,,I was there 97 but no taking photos these time will be.

Thank You for you informations.

BlasR

[BlasR]

I'm going to Bosque del Apache...I have any time next month or Dec. 1first to the 5th   Any recomendation?

Plus I have canon 400 do lens with externder 2x...Can i used both together to get some nice shots? or used only the 400 do ?  Or sorry I will be driving with my wife and 2 little one 1 years old and 2 months old,,,So any recomendation for hotel to please....

Any help I will apreciated  
Thank You



BlasR

[BlasR]

Thank You..I have teleconverter 2x  And I used the lens before but no with it...I Don't know if willb e better using it together...I have all micheal DVD I guess I need to see what place he stay or ready what is the best time ,,,November or Dec.


I got some photos from the post cable but no the great...


Thank You for your info.

I need diferent hotel for my wife and my kids....


BlasR

[hbb]

Hi Blas,

it is hard to decide on the week to go this year. Full Moon, which is very interesting in Bosque, falls on the Thanksgiving weekend's Friday. You have to decide between Full Moon and huge crowds or half moon and less crowds. My decision was the first one, I will be there from Nov. 20 to 26.

Hope that helps

Bernd

[BlasR]

Bernd,,,Do you know the Arthur Morris will be there on the 27th? I think will be good listen fron the distance...
I do not think I will be able but I may see him..I'm traveling with my wife in my 2 kids or infants...1 year in 2 months olds....So will be alot work...But here is Mr. Morris webside
http://www.birdsasart.com/


Good luck
BlasR