Not many people will try to argue that the sight of a beautiful white and black osprey soaring through the air isn’t beautiful. These stunning birds of prey are widespread in many parts of the United States and thousands of people can easily spot them in their neighborhood. Despite their widespread coverage of other parts of the continent, they have been absent from Northern New Mexico for some time now – until recently that is.

The 2008 Osprey Fest has been created in celebration of the fact that these majestic birds have returned to the northern parts of New Mexico. It will take place at Heron Lake State Park in the breathtaking Chama River Valley and will no doubt see thousands of excited birders in the region making the most of this fantastic opportunity to see these birds nesting and breeding successfully in the area. Heron Lake State Park will be collaborating with the nearby El Vado State Park to ensure that global birders and local residents get the most out of their time here. Not only will visitors most likely be able to see such striking birds as blue heron and bald eagles, but they will get to spy on 13 pairs of nesting Osprey. The festival has been carefully timed to coincide with the nesting osprey’s annual fledge, so there should be plenty of action in the nests! Of course these large protected areas are home to more than just a few bird species and animal lovers will also be charmed by the wide variety of wildlife that is present in the two state parks.

The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a large, eagle-like bird of prey that eats fish and so is always found near water. Sometimes called sea hawks or fish eagles, these magnificent birds can be found on almost every continent on the globe. Their wings span an impressive six feet and their white and black speckled markings are unmistakable. OspreyFest2008 provides bird lovers with the perfect opportunity to get close to and learn more about these fabulous birds. Guided small-boat excursions will no doubt prove to be a highlight for many visitors as it provides a somewhat unique way of viewing nests that may otherwise be impossible to see clearly. So make the most of OspreyFest2008 and book your stay at nearby Chama where you can also enjoy restaurants, gift shops, craft galleries and a supermarket.

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Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge situated south of Socorro, New Mexico, has developed into one of the most magnificent national wildlife sanctuaries in North America. It is here that tens of thousands of birds gather each autumn to stay for the duration of winter. The 20th annual Festival of the Cranes to take place from 13 to 18 November 2007 is a celebration in honor of the arrival of the cranes.

In the 1930s there was a severe decline in the population of greater sandhill cranes, mainly caused by a loss of wintering and breeding areas. The result was, that by 1941 there were fewer than 20 cranes wintering in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Since 1939 a project has been underway to restore wintering habitat for the cranes. Much work has been done to implement intensive moist soil management which promotes growth of natural wetland foods, resulting in a dramatic recovery of the crane population which currently numbers about 15,000. The refuge also serves as either a wintering stopover or winter home for bird species such as snow geese, pintails, shovelers, mallards and many other water fowl.

During the Festival of the Cranes, tours will be offered to introduce visitors to areas that are generally not available at other times of the year. Various topics will be discussed and visitors will have an opportunity to ask questions. Representatives of the local National Wildlife Refuges will give a detailed explanation of the operation of each refuge. There will also be a number of lectures, exhibits and workshops on a variety of wildlife related topics, with the emphasis on birds. Animal rescue groups will display birds and mammals, providing information on the important role that rescue groups play in the rehabilitation and re-introduction of animals.

Included in the many activities available during the Festival of Cranes will be a display of raptor hunting strategies presented by a professional falconer and his trained hawks and falcons. A houseboat tour will take visitors past a wide variety of water fowl followed up with a birding tour on land. Visitors that want to catch the unforgettable spectacle of thousands of geese and cranes leaving their nighttime roosts need to be at the festival before 5:30 am on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – it will definitely be worth the effort.

The Festival of the Cranes in Socorro, New Mexico is an event that truly has something for everyone, from young to old, hobby birders to seasoned bird experts, and amateur to professional photographers – be sure that you don’t miss it!

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