What: During the normal winter about 87,000 ducks, 43,000 geese, 9,000 Sandhill Cranes and a variety of eagles, hawks, owls and herons call the National Wildlife Refuge at Bosque del Apache home. The refuge allows for amazing photographs with a variety of backgrounds and unique lighting during sunrises and sunsets. You will also have a chance to capture photographs of small herds of mule deer, coyotes, and other wildlife that visit the refuge.
When: Monday, November 26th and return Friday, November 30th.
Departure: Meet in the Photo Studio parking lot near the mail box at 5:45 AM and depart at 6:00AM. Daily departure time from the hotel will be announced by the photo shoot leaders.
Where: National Wildlife Refuge at Bosque del Apache near Socorro, New Mexico
Photo Shoot Leaders: Mel Whaley
Who: On a first come/first served basis group size limit of 12 Club Members.
Camera Equipment Requirements: Telephoto zoom lens (70-300, 100-400, 200-400) and/or prime telephoto lens (400, 500, 600), good tripod and cable release are recommended. A wide angle lens is also recommended for predawn and landscape shoots. Extra camera batteries & charger and plenty of memory cards (anticipate more than a 1,000 images). Laptop is optional.
Lodging: Super 8 Socorro - participants will make their own hotel reservations the photo shoot. We will again be staying at the Super 8 Socorro, 1121 Frontage Rd, Socorro, NM 87801. Phone number is (575) 835-4626. We will be checking in on Monday November 26, 2018 and out on Friday November 30, 2018.
Room rates for a single will be about $75.00/night plus tax, with a AAA or ARP discount rate ARE about $10.00 cheaper.
Meals: There are several good restaurants in Socorro that can handle the group needs for meals.
Additional Information: Cold weather gear; dress in layers. Winter coat, liner, rain/wind pants, long underwear, thermal socks, Insulated boots, warm hat, neck warmer, warm gloves with finger access. Average temperature in Socorro during November lows around 20 F and highs in the 55 F with possible rain and/or snow. We will be out well before sunrise..
Entrance Fees: No fee is required if an occupant of a private vehicle has a Interagency Annual, Senior, or Access pass or current Federal Duck Stamp (these may be purchased at the Visitor Center). Otherwise, a fee of $5 for private passenger vehicles is payable at the Tour Loop entrance station.
Car Pools: Passengers will share actual expenses; estimated fuel cost for the round trip is $150.00. We will meet in the parking lot near the mail box at 5:45 AM and depart at 6:00.
Review: TBD
Registration Deadline: Monday November 05, 2018
Registration: will be available starting July 15, 2018
