Brrrrrr! It's getting colder.

Well, I have just confirmed that the Ringed Turtle Doves have stayed around! This afternoon I saw three of them flying around and making that squawking noise. I am guessing that it was the parents and one offspring. Maybe the one they were making a nest for several weeks ago? (SEE 9/20/04) Anyway, I wonder if they will stay through the winter. The weather has been pretty cold the last week -- highs only in the 40's and lows in the 20-30 range. The winds have been blowing most days too. WoW. What a surprise to see them.

I also am happy to see the beautiful Long-tailed Crackles have returned. Most of the year they are all around the city, in the heights, and we don't see them much. But in the winter the come back to the valley and roost in the pine trees around here. I love to listen to them. They make the most amazing noises, shrieks, whistles, and calls. They come in large groups at sunset and sit in the bare trees like ornaments. They get quite noisey until they settle in for the night. It is a real joy.

Still only a few small flights of the Sandhill Cranes coming over. The Festival of the Cranes is this week and the main groups have not yet arrived. Oh, well. I'm still hoping to see them by this weekend.

It's November. . .already!

We have been seeing more of the Sandhill Cranes migration but only a few flights a day. If you are really interested in them, the 17th annual Festival of the Cranes will take place at the Bosque del Apache NWR (south of Socorro NM) on November 16-21. The festival offers everything from wildlife art shows to trips to the Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescope. There will be workshops, lectures, activities and much, much more. Of course, there will be ample opportunity to see, hear and photograph the hundreds of cranes. To register for the festival or find out information on lodging, you can call 505-835-2977 or go to www.friendsofthebosque.org to get all the information. I just hope they all make it there in time!