Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: Images Reimagined

Textures of New Mexico

     These images are collected from past trips to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and reworked using the mobile photo editing app, Distressed FX. 

An Oasis in the Desert

     In the state of New Mexico, known for it's arid landscape, Bosque del Apache is a true oasis in the desert. The reason for this in intentional flooding of farmlands to create habitat for winter migratory birds such as Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese.
     Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge was founded in 1939 and consists of 57,000 acres of land situated between the Chupadera Mountains to the west and the San Pascual Mountains to the east. The Refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is a critical stopover  for migrating waterfowl.  

Year-Round Wildlife

     Autumn and winter are the main seasons of tourism at Bosque del Apache because everyone wants to see the Sandhill Cranes but there is wildlife present all year. Deer, coyotes, javelina, hawks, ravens and vultures can be observed any time. Visits during the spring and summer may not produce visions of Sandhill Cranes but they will also not be crowded with other people and there will (probably) not be photographers sitting in the ponds.

Textures and Dreamscapes

     As previously mentioned, these images were all shot on a Canon EOS 80D but were edited using the iOS app, Distressed FX with some finishing touches added with Snapseed and the mobile Photoshop Express app. I do indeed have the desktop application of Adobe Photoshop but I have never been able to duplicate the results created with Distressed FX. Sometimes the right tool for the job requires an iPhone.

Visiting Bosque del Apache

     Bosque del Apache is a 90 minute drive from Albuquerque and is located southeast of Socorro. For wildlife lovers and photographers, this place should be on your top five list of places to visit in New Mexico. If the visit is on a day other than Sunday, be sure to stop in at the Owl Cafe in San Antonio for a world famous green-chili cheeseburger.
     Prior to visiting Bosque del Apache, be sure to familiarize yourself with the hours of operation, entrance fees, pet policies, etc. by visiting their official website.

Winter Trees

     For the aficionado of winter trees, Bosque del Apache is well worth the trip. I would drive all the way out there to photograph the trees even if I never saw a bird. There will be birds though, so pack all your lenses and plan to make a day of it! 

Sandhill Cranes

     If your heart goes pitter-patter at the sight of Sandhill Cranes, be sure to plan your visit to Bosque del Apache between late October and mid February and try to arrive early in the day. Most of the birds head back to the river and swamp land at night. Fair warning, these birds are easily more infectious than hot-air balloons and many, many photos will be required.

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