Javelina at Bosque del Apache, NWR, Socorro County, NM.

Northern Shovelor at Bosque del Apache NWR, Socorro County, New Mexico.

Black Phoebe at Bosque del Apache, NWR, Socorro County, NM.

Bosque visit by Phillip and Patsy.

Greater Yellowlegs at Bosque del Apache, NWR, Socorro County, NM.

Cinnamon Teal at Bosque del Apache, NWR, Socorro County, NM.

Lesser Scaup at Bosque del Apache NWR, Socorro County, New Mexico.

Northern Pintail at Bosque del Apache NWR, Socorro County, New Mexico.

Great Egret at Bosque del Apache, NWR, Socorro County, NM.

Greater Roadrunner at Bosque del Apache, NWR, Socorro County, NM.

Greater Roadrunner at Bosque del Apache, NWR, Socorro County, NM.

Green-winged Teal at Bosque del Apache NWR, Socorro County, New Mexico.

Patsy takes photos at the bosque.

Patsy at the Bosque birding and making the shots.

Patsy at the Bosque birding and making the shots.

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A highlight of a winter visit to Socorro is the return of the Sandhill Cranes and Light Geese to the wildlife management areas on the Rio Grande, most notably the Bosque del Apache NWR.

Every evening the birds return from the feeding grounds and flock together in protective manmade ponds. Known as the "fly-in", it's truly a spectacle as the elegant birds drift in in groups of varying numbers.

We try to make it down there at least once a year if we can.

I'm taking a break from posting the summer photos. At the rate I'm going, it's gonna take the rest of the year to get 'em done anyway, so why not take a break and post something timely?

This is a series from a weekend getaway to Socorro.

See where this picture was taken. [?]