Albuquerque with its desirable high desert climate is at the center of the state of New Mexico and is an ideal jumping off point from which to make day trips to other interesting places. Some of my favorite spots are only an hour or two away, not a full daytrip, but I prefer to plan for a trip lasting an entire day because I never know what interesting distractions I might find along the way. The New Mexico landscape is infinitely interesting.Bosque del Apache
For a spectacular winter experience, visit Bosque del Apache, the 57,191 acre wildlife refuge and bird sanctuary managed by the U.S. Fish and Wild Life Preserve. The bosque (wood) where the Apache used to camp, come alive during the winter months when thousands of birds—sandhill cranes, Arctic geese, and a variety of ducks arrive to spend the winter.
Although Bosque del Apache is only about two hours from Albuquerque, last February, my friends and I paid an overnight visit. We stayed overnight in nearby Socorro (by car, just over an hour south of Albuquerque) to see the birds flock home to roost at twilight and blanket the sky at dawn in an awe-inspiring takeoff.
The refuge is open year round with offerings of free educational events. But spectacular bird watching is available only in the winter when the birds oblige with their presence. To see them, dress warmly. Someone once told me, "Around here, it is coldest just before the sun rises." I have found this to be true. For more detailed information about Bosque del Apache, visit Bosque del Apache-- http://www.newmexico.org/place/loc/destinations/page/DB-place/place/1631.html
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