We our off today so we decide to drive to Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Reserve and Socorro, NM.
Thousands of Sand Hill Cranes and other waterfowl and birds winter here. Unfortunately they had all started their migration north when we arrived. There is a driving tour of the refuge which we took.
Still some stragglers
The view is beautiful - note the snow covered mountains in the background.
Farmers grow crops on the refuge for wintering waterfowl and cranes. Farmers plant alfalfa and corn, harvesting the alfalfa and leaving the corn for wildlife. The refuge staff also grows corn, winter wheat, clover, and native plants as additional food.
The turtles seem to like it here too.
There are observation decks and boardwalks throughout the refuge.
A lone deer
and we get to spot a Heron on the way out.
If we pass back this way between November and February we'll be sure to stop in to see the Cranes.
We continue on to Socorro. Socorro means "to give aid" and was a source of help to the first expedition of Spanish families traveling north from Mexico in 1598
Old San Miguel Mission was founded in 1598
This is a fragment from "Jumbo" a huge steel container developed to contain the first nuclear explosion at Trinity on July 16, 1945. It was 25 feet long 12 foot in diameter and 14" thick.
Till Later!
Meanwhile, we keep on Trek'n
Melissa, Gary & Tucson
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