Annual Wildlife and Landscape Photo Trip in New Mexico
Trip Report: New Mexico Winter Birding and Nature Photo Safari, Jan 2026
Our annual 7-day photo workshop happened this January. It was awesome!
The birds cooperated, the weather cooperated, sunsets and sunrises were beautiful, other wildlife cooperated to pose for our cameras, the guests were happy with thousands of shots, we were able to donate much needed funds to the Friends of Bosque del Apache and the local Wildlife Rescue Inc of New Mexico ... We couldn't have asked for a better trip.
Here's one of my favorite shots of the workshop: Sandhill cranes at sunset on the 2nd day of our trip.
Sandhill cranes at sunset
The trip started in Albuquerque with airport pickups, welcome dinner in Old Town and our first night in one of Albuquerque's premiere hotels in Old Town along historic Route 66. The next morning, after an elaborate breakfast in the hotel's restaurant, we got acquainted with the area's wildlife. First our group was treated to a private presentation by the veterinarian in charge of rehabilitating injured wildlife, followed by our first opportunity at wildlife photography at blinds along the Rio Grande river. After a native American lunch in the city, we headed south along the Rio Grande and spent the afternoon until well after sunset to photograph the thousands of Sandhill cranes and Snow geese that spend winter here. Sunset was amazing as we were treated to low hanging clouds that lit up in glowing colors.
The following day was all about the Sandhill cranes, Snow geese and other wildlife that spends winter along the Rio Grande. We arrived at Bosque del Apache well before sunrise and were treated to thousands of Snow geese flying into the pond where we were ready with our cameras. As the sun slowly rose and a mist formed above the water, we got to photograph the geese taking off in large groups.
Snow geese fly-in at sunrise
After the geese left the pond around 8:30, we explored Bosque del Apache's dirt roads and photographed a variety of birds - including New Mexico's state bird, the Roadrunner - and mammals such as coyotes, javelinas and even an elusive bobcat!
We found the bobcat hiding up a tree
Before we headed to lunch, we were treated to another private presentation: the head of the Friends of Bosque del Apache non-profit joined by the Ranger told us all about Bosque del Apache's history, wildlife and management. Lunch was held in the famous Owl Cafe, original home of New Mexico's green chile cheeseburger. The afternoon was spent photographing Sandhill cranes until it was too dark and it was time for dinner.
Snow geese mass take-off as a layer of fog was forming on the pond
The next morning again found us in Bosque del Apache well before sunrise to photograph the Snow geese and other mammals. Highlights this morning included photographing the mass fly-out of the Snow geese (they were nice enough to do it twice, for those of us who weren't quite ready with their camera the first time), more javelinas as well as coyotes making a meal out of an unlucky Snow goose. Late morning, it was time to head to our next destination. We had some amazing homemade pizza and Belgian chocolate ice cream for lunch and arrived in White Sands National Park in early afternoon. The afternoon until after sunset were spent wandering about the beautiful sand dunes, searching for those perfect landscape shots.
Plenty of room at White Sands for guests to spread out
We grabbed a homemade breakfast to go the next morning and headed back to White Sands for sunrise photography. Thanks to our special early entry permit, we were allowed to enter the park before the official opening hours and our small group found ourselves all alone in the park. Plenty of opportunities to wander around the dunes without the risk of other visitors ruining the shot!
White Sands at sunrise
We spent the afternoon photographing the opposite of White Sands' white landscapes: we explored and wandered around New Mexico's youngest lava fields.
The following day found us back with the birds and mammals along the Rio Grande. We spent the morning at Bosque del Apache and the afternoon at another birding location to photograph the Sandhill cranes at sunset.
Guests photographing Sandhill cranes at sunset
Our last full day of photography: the guests opted to photograph a nearby sandstone canyon at sunrise. Think red Utah scenery in the middle of New Mexico. The canyon is off the beaten path and we were alone and free to explore: we didn't run into another visitor until we were on our way back to the car. Then it was time for another wildlife area along the Rio Grande where we went searching for New Mexico's wild horses and we learned about the success story of the Mexican wolf reintroduction, which are bred here in the location we visited before they are set free in the wild.
Javelina or Collared Peccary
That evening, we arrived back in Albuquerque and had our farewell dinner. The next morning was available for sightseeing in Albuquerque's historic Old Town before everyone headed for the airport: tired but with thousands of pictures on the memory card to edit!
Picture of Jorn at White Sands, made by guest Frank
Do you want to join the next trip in December 2026 or January 2027 (max 4 guests per trip)?
Reservations are now open: click here. Limited availability: up to 4 guests.
This trip can be made private upon request. December 2026 and January 2027 dates are available.
| Winter New Mexico Workshop Details and Reservations |
Do you want to learn how to configure your camera? What camera and lens works best for wildlife photography?
Check out my book, available on Amazon
Do you want to receive my free monthly (or so) email with wildlife stories and images?
Sign up below.
Plus, I'll send you my free ebook + a 10% coupon to my Etsy store.
