American White Pelicans. Photo by John Olson
Cactus blossoms. Photo by Wayne Washam
FBA News:
The community is invited to join the Friends of Bosque Del Apache (FBA) for a weekend of birding, nature, art and poetry at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and beyond Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4. There is something for everyone at this Spring Migration Celebration 2025.
Attendees will view shorebirds (avocets, curlews, phalaropes, pelicans and more) and colorful small migrants, including warblers, chats, flycatchers and swallows. Birding experts and engaging presenters, Holly Merker and Alex Harper will teach how to identify birds by sight, sound, and behavior and how to just enjoy them.
Friends Of Bosque Del Apache will host 17 events over three days, some free and some for a small fee.
Friday kicks off the celebration with two events. Merker and Harper will lead a birding excursion to Water Canyon in the Magdalena Mountains where attendees will likely see some of New Mexico’s rarer montane nesting birds, including the highly sought-after Red-faced Warbler.Those interested in exploring nature and poetry will have the opportunity to join writer Don Boyd and a small group of others as they share their love of birds, the natural world, and the written word out on a trail amongst the trees at the refuge.
Saturday at the refuge there will be six birding workshops, the annual Desert Arboretum Stroll to highlight the beauty of the blooming Chihuahuan Desert, and a talented local wildlife sculptor, Sharon Fullingim, at work in the BdA plaza. That evening starting at 5:30, the celebration goes indoors at the Socorro Convention Center where where attendees can enjoy heavy appetizers, an annual celebration meeting, and the film premiere of “A Refuge for All Seasons” by Christi Bode (watch the film trailer now).
The evening will be capped by a thought-provoking and hopeful keynote presentation, “Risking it All” by Laura Paskus, longtime environmental reporter and author.
The celebration continues Sunday with more birding workshops on the refuge. That afternoon, take a Forest Bathing workshop with Merker to engage the senses and unlock the health and restorative benefits that the natural world holds – the only thing shed is one’s stress.
Another option Sunday afternoon is a birding workshop with Harper on the New Mexico Tech (NMT) campus in Socorro. The wooded lawns and shrubby edges at NMT lure in local birds for breeding, as well as migrants; migratory swallows, vireos, warblers, tanagers and other birds may be spotted in the mix.
Classes and workshops are limited to 12 people each so participants can enjoy a quiet experience and personal interaction with instructors.
Register now to secure a spot and get ready for a weekend of adventure and wonder…and possibly some “lifers” too!
To register, and for more information, click here.