Apache Indians used to hide out in the cottonwoods near the Rio Grande and ambush the Spanish travellers in the place that today is called Bosque del Apache ("Forest of the Apache").

It is a magical place where thousands of birds animate landscapes that at sunrise and sunset are fired up by an enchanting mixture of red, crimson, and purple.  The intensity of lights combined with the serenity of migratory birds creates an unparalleled display of wonder and mystique, the kind of masterpiece that only Mother Nature can create and that photographers like us try to capture with our cameras. I had the fortune of first-hand experience, and it is an honor and pleasure to share with you this spectacular masterpiece as seen through the lens of my camera. 

Last time I was there the day count was showing almost 150,000 birds (see below the picture of the board that the rangers update everyday). It is hard to describe what happens when early in the morning they all fly out together in unison, and when they return to rest at sunset in natural patterns.

The best place to stay is the Casa Blanca B&B (http://www.casablancabedandbreakfast.com) where you will be warmly welcomed by Phoebe and Phil. It is a jewel of a place that is only minutes away from the nature reserve.  Phoebe and Phil know the place as nobody else and it is very nice to go back to have breakfast after the morning shooting session and hear their stories as well as talk to the other photographers that usually stay there.  Like the Bosque that is a sanctuary for the birds, the Casa Blanca feels like a sanctuary for the photographers.