Winter Birds of Bosque del Apache

At a Glance

Location

New Mexico, USA

Tuition

$4,995

Dates

January 13 – 16, 2028

Fitness Level

Easy

Availability

Limited to 8 Guests

Collections

Short Escape
Signature Collection
US National Parks and Wilderness

Winter Birds of Bosque del Apache Photography Workshop

Name: Winter Birds of Bosque del Apache
Start: 2028-01-13
End: 2028-01-16
Location: Winter Birds of Bosque del Apache

Wildlife Photography in the Winter Light

January 13 – 16, 2028

Soft, golden light over vast wetlands, where migratory cranes flock
Brilliant white snow geese, majestic bald eagles, and soaring harriers
Enhance your composition, technique, and exposure settings for birds

Every winter, tens of thousands of migratory birds pour into the Middle Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico, filling the sky with motion and sound. Snow geese, Ross’s geese, and sandhill cranes arrive in droves, making this one of North America’s most amazing wildlife spectacles—and a bird photography opportunity you won’t want to miss.

This workshop is timed to coincide with peak winter migration and focuses on two of the region’s best birding spots: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and the Ladd S. Gordon Wildlife Complex. At Bosque, the combination of wetlands and desert landscapes, framed by the Chupadera and San Pascual Mountains, makes for perfect shots of birds in flight, takeoffs, landings, and interactions. The light is magical, from dawn pastels to sunset gold, ideal for capturing dynamic images with strong composition and detail.

We’ll also shoot at the Ladd S. Gordon Wildlife Complex, a quieter gem along the Central Flyway. This location offers more intimate encounters with species like bald eagles, northern harriers, American kestrels, herons, pintails, and more. Between locations, we’ll be on the lookout for wildlife like mule deer, coyotes, and even the elusive bobcat to add variety to the portfolio you’ll build over the week.

Throughout the workshop, our pro photographers will be on hand to help you focus on fast-moving subjects, adjust your exposure settings, and compose images with intentionality. Image review sessions will offer valuable feedback and post-processing tips to get the most out of your shots.

Whether you’re an experienced wildlife photographer or just starting out, this workshop is about more than just getting birds—it’s about telling the story of migration through your images and experiencing nature on the move.

Your Pros

Lisa LaPointe

Pam Dorner

Itinerary

About the wildlife: This workshop offers significant opportunities for photographing wildlife, and while we do our best to maximize our wildlife encounters—based on past experiences, local knowledge, and the current conditions—we need to impress upon you that the wildlife really is wild and that we don’t control it.

This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.

January 13, 2028: Arrival at Albuquerque, Drive to Socorro, Evening Wildlife Photography

Fly into Albuquerque, New Mexico, and drive just over an hour to Socorro. If you’re interested in sharing a ride, let us know and we’ll connect you with other guests looking to do the same. Alternatively, you can rent a vehicle or use a rideshare service such as Uber.

Please arrive at the Holiday Inn Express in Socorro by 12:00 PM. We’ll begin with a short meet and greet and discuss our plans for the days ahead.

After checking in, we’ll head out for our first evening photography session, photographing wildlife until the light fades. We’ll then return to Socorro for dinner at a local restaurant.

January 14–15, 2028: Morning Fog Photography, Socorro Breakfast, Sunset Shoot

Over two early mornings, we’ll photograph the landscape and wildlife in the magical light around sunrise. We’ll look for mist rising from the water, wildlife emerging through the fog, birds of prey, and the many mammals active in the park at this time of year. Each morning’s shoot will be followed by a hearty breakfast at a favorite local restaurant.

Back at the hotel, we’ll review and process images, making sure everyone is getting the results they hoped for while refining techniques for the sessions ahead. After a midday break, we’ll return to the field for sunset photography. We’ll seek out more wildlife and, conditions permitting, photograph waterfowl in flight against the rising moon. Each day will conclude with a well-earned dinner in Socorro.

January 16, 2028: Final Sunrise Photography, Last Image Review, Departures After 3 PM

Today is our final sunrise shoot; we will head out early with high hopes of capturing new, amazing images.

We’ll then head back for breakfast, check out of the hotel, and have our last image review. This will be the time to load our bags into vehicles and head out to Albuquerque for flights home. If you are ride-sharing, it will be a chance to reflect on a great trip during the hour-long drive.

Testimonials

Jeff J.

Bosque del Apache '26

Even after shooting for 25+ years, the tailored instruction to each person is very helpful. I learn a lot from the other clients and instructors. Wayne and Pam are fantastic.

Konrad M.

Bosque del Apache '26

Very useful techniques demonstrated - I took a lot away from the critiques and classroom instruction.

Konrad M.

Bosque del Apache '26

Pam single-handedly, with one line, had me changing focus area and boom! Suddenly I'm shooting tack sharp shots of birds in flight as if I'd been doing it for years!

Jim N.

Bosque del Apache '25

Pam did a great job putting us in the right place at the right time.

Gallery

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muench workshops photo, usa, bosque del apache national wildlife refuge, wildlife, winter, many birds standing in water, leafless trees, foggy environment, sunrise or sunset, still water with reflections, reeds or aquatic plants

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muench workshops photo, usa, bosque del apache national wildlife refuge, wildlife, winter, three sandhill cranes, shallow water, golden sunset reflection, detailed feathers, calm environment, bird reflections

muench workshops photo, usa, bosque del apache national wildlife refuge, wildlife, waterfall, winter, group of white birds, snow covered environment, birds resting, feathers, one bird with visible black eye

muench workshops photo, usa, bosque del apache national wildlife refuge, wildlife, winter, coyote, snow covered ground, cut corn stalks, daylight

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muench workshops photo, usa, bosque del apache national wildlife refuge, wildlife, winter, landscape, bald eagle, snow covered ground, feathers on ground, overcast sky, bird looking down

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muench workshops photo, usa, bosque del apache national wildlife refuge, wildlife, winter, cranes, water, mist, sunlight, reflection, early morning

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muench workshops photo, usa, bosque del apache national wildlife refuge, wildlife, winter, two sandhill cranes, birds in flight, red crown on birds, gray feathers with brown wingtips, cloudy sky background

muench workshops photo, usa, bosque del apache national wildlife refuge, wildlife, winter, deer standing, dry grasses, bushes, breath visible, early morning light

muench workshops photo, usa, bosque del apache national wildlife refuge, wildlife, winter, bare tree, still water, cloudy sky, birds in flight, birds on the ground, mountains in background, sunset light, misty atmosphere

muench workshops photo, usa, bosque del apache national wildlife refuge, wildlife, winter, flock of birds, calm water, cloudy sky, mountain silhouette, morning mist, water reflections, sunrise colors

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Behind the Scenes

muench workshops photo, usa, new mexico, people, group of people, winter clothing, two people holding large cameras, snow on ground, leafless tree, shrubbery, adobe visitor center building, clear sky, rocks on snow

muench workshops photo, usa, new mexico, people, man in black hooded jacket, gray knit gloves, nikon camera with large telephoto lens, tripod, gravel ground, people in winter clothing, blue sky, sunset lighting

muench workshops photo, usa, new mexico, people, man kneeling, winter jacket, beanie, long telephoto camera lens, tripod, backpack, gravel ground, frozen lake, flock of birds, sunset, bare trees, mountains

muench workshops photo, usa, new mexico, people, telephoto camera lenses, camera bodies, black table, green armchair, brown patterned sofa, gray hat, indoor lighting, seated elderly man, carpeted floor

muench workshops photo, usa, new mexico, people, four people in black jackets using binoculars, bare tree with branches reflected in water, calm river with reflections, distant mountains under clear sky, dry grass and bushes with orange light

Fitness

Easy: Be prepared for early starts and long days with multiple photography sessions at dawn and sunset. You will drive between locations and may need to carry camera gear. Terrain includes wetlands and desert landscapes in possibly icy conditions, which can require careful footing. Breaks are scheduled, but the pace is active to capture the best light and wildlife moments.

Flights

Arrive at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), Albuquerque before 10:00 AM on January 13, 2028. Flights out can be made after 3:00 PM on January 16, 2028. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.

What to Bring

Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.

What’s Included

Double occupancy lodging. Single available for a $400 supplement.
All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
All permits and park fees.
All transportation during the workshop.
Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!

Not Included

Travel to and from Socorro.
Unscheduled airport transfers.
Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
Items of a personal nature.
Alcoholic beverages.
Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
Anything else specifically not listed as included.
Single rooming is available for a $400 supplement.

Payment Terms

Your deposit of $2,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
The balance is due not later than September 1, 2027.
All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply, including our cancellation and refund policy.
Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of wildlife can I expect to photograph during this workshop?

You'll have the opportunity to photograph a variety of birds such as snow geese, Ross's geese, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, northern harriers, and American kestrels. Additionally, you might encounter mule deer, coyotes, and possibly even a bobcat.

What photography techniques will I learn on this workshop?

You'll learn to focus on fast-moving subjects, adjust exposure settings for dynamic lighting conditions, and build strong compositions. The workshop includes image review sessions with feedback and post-processing tips to enhance your shots.

Is this workshop refundable?

Yes, this workshop is refundable. If you cancel more than 150 days before the start date, you'll receive a full refund. For cancellations 150–91 days before, you'll get a refund of payments exceeding 50% of tuition, and for 90–61 days, a refund of payments exceeding 75% of tuition. Within 60 days, no refund is available unless we fill your space, in which case you'll receive a 100% refund of payments made. All refunds are subject to a 5% administrative processing fee.

What is the group size for this workshop?

The workshop is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and guidance from the two professional photographers leading the trip.

What should I bring to stay comfortable during the workshop?

Dress warmly for the cold conditions, as you'll spend much time standing outdoors. Consider bringing layers, a hat, gloves, and waterproof boots for icy walkways. Also, pack your camera gear, including lenses suitable for wildlife photography, such as a telephoto lens.

Are meals included in the workshop fee?

Yes, all meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop are included. However, any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates are not included.

Do I need travel insurance for this workshop?

While travel medical and trip cancellation insurance is optional, it is recommended to protect your investment in case of unforeseen circumstances.