Bosque Surreal

Story

The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico is the winter home of an extraordinary number, and an extraordinary selection of migratory birds. Fed by the Rio Grande river, these wetlands are far enough south so the winters are fairly mild and moderate. Furthermore, there are plenty of fields upon which to feed. This is an ideal location for the weary winter bird. And to make Bosque Surreal.

But it isn’t just the birds that make it so special. Every now and then, and only on rare occasions at that, an amazing display of color happens. It might come during the morning sunrise, or it might come during sunset. For those lucky enough to see a colorful display, though, it is a sight that is always remembered.

This is one of those rare moments. It was a cold November morning, and there were some high clouds. There was nothing foreshadowing how colorful and spectacular this sunrise would be. But literally, in the blink of an eye it, it went from a “nice” morning to an absolutely “surreal” one.

As the color peaked, a massive flock of snow geese decided they, too, wanted to be part of the color. Surreal, indeed!