Genes Home
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
|
Hi,
Three days would be good, depending on the weather and your interests.
I normally drive out once a year, arrive the afternoon 2 days before the full moon, shoot the sunset and (usually) the snow geese doing a blast-off. This gives me time to do the loop drive to check on bird locations for the next morning (generally along the entrance road and the north loop the last few years).
1st full day I try to get in place (about an easy half hour drive from Socorro) at least 45 minutes before sunrise. If it is warm (above freezing) the birds will already be stirring, if not they won't start movement till sunrise. I shoot till the birds have scattered, then go looking (at least two complete slow loops around north and south) for other birds and deer, etc. I take a break and have a snack, then decide on my evening position and get into place. Sometimes I have to move depending on bird movement and weather, but you have time if needed.
2nd full day is generally the full moon for me and I try to work it both morning and evening with my long lens if the birds and weather cooperate.
3rd day is the same type of shooting, just different light.
There are several short hikes you can make, less than a mile in most cases. One (south loop) is a nice stroll through the woods and grasslands to an overlook area at one of the big crop fields where the geese and cranes will come in and spend the day. We have gotten nice shots of deer, raptors, and javalina there. Another (south loop also) is located along permanent ponds and has a nice boardwalk.
Be sure to stop at the visitors center and read about the mountain lines. No one has ever been attacked, but they are resident on the refuge (which is why some the trails on the east side of the river are now closed).
You will want at least two cameras. One with your biggest lens -- rent a 500/600 + a teleconverter if you don't have one. The second will be a shorter tele (I use the 80-400) for closer/wider work. You will want to change the second one out for a wider angle - like the 24-70 for the early morning and late evening "blast off" events.
Your car will be your blind when driving the loop, but don't get trapped in it like most folks. Anywhere you can drive you can also get out an walk, you just have to stay on the marked walking trails and roads. Along the irrigation canals you can often get better angles and lighting by sneaking around your car to the edge of the road and then along the brush line.
If you go to other areas like White Sands, plan on checking out of Socorro and staying near your destination. Distances and travel times are deceiving, especially with the short days of winter.
If you have any specific questions just post them or send a PM to TRENCHMONKEY, he lives out there and knows what works and how to have a good time as well. He has a lot of posts here, so search for him and you will be able to have a great time.
If it snows on you, get out there and stay (unless they close), the photography with the birds will be wonderful.
Gene
|
