Bosque del Apache: Capture the Wild of the Southwest’s Premier Birding Sanctuary
Our Bosque del Apache tour with photographer Traci Sepkovic guarantees an unforgettable blend of expert guidance and genuine passion for birds and landscapes—Traci’s years of field experience and patient, encouraging teaching style help photographers of all levels capture dramatic sandhill cranes, geese, and vivid desert light with confidence. Her intimate knowledge of the refuge’s rhythms and prime viewing locations means you’ll be in the right place at the best moments for striking compositions, while her technical tips on gear, exposure, and ethical wildlife practices elevate your images and leave you with lasting skills. Beyond the images, Traci creates a friendly, supportive atmosphere that fosters connection with fellow photographers and a deeper appreciation of this special place—making the tour both a productive photographic workshop and a memorable wildlife experience.
General Information | Overview | What’s Included | Gallery
Itinerary | Location & Accommodations | Tour Leader
Wildlife of Bosque del apache
Dates: january 5-9, 2027
Location: socorro, new mexico
Price: $3299 USD*
*Price per person, based on same-sex double occupancy accommodations. A limited number of single supplement rooms are available for an additional $ fee. Please select at the time of booking.
Fitness Level: LEVEL TWO - GENTLE ADVENTURE
Group Size: 6 participants + group leader
Tour highlights:
World-class migration spectacle: Bosque del Apache is one of the premier places on the continent to photograph massive flocks of waterfowl and cranes. Witnessing—and photographing—thousands of birds moving, feeding, and performing aerial maneuvers is unrivaled.
Personalized instruction from Traci Sepkovic: Traci brings years of professional wildlife and landscape photography experience, strong technical knowledge, and a knack for helping photographers translate fleeting natural moments into compelling images. Expect practical tips on focus strategies, exposure for backlit flocks, panning, and creative use of foregrounds.
Small-group focus and safety: Workshops are kept intentionally small so Traci can give individualized feedback in the field and in post-shoot reviews. You’ll learn ethical approaches to wildlife photography—minimizing disturbance, respecting refuge rules, and using lenses and positioning that keep birds safe.
Rich learning environment: Sessions include pre-dawn scouting, sunrise shoots at prime roosting locations, mid-day image review and editing guidance, and optional evening landscape sessions. You’ll leave with stronger technique, more confident decision-making under changing light, and a curated set of images that tell a season’s story.
New Mexico landscapes and light: Beyond the birds, Bosque del Apache offers reflective water, reed lines, cottonwoods, and distant desert mesas. Traci will show how to combine wildlife and landscape elements to create layered, cinematic photographs unique to the Southwest.
All images courtesy of Traci Sepkovic
Join Traci Sepkovic at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge for a focused, immersive winter photography experience centered on the spectacular sandhill crane and snow goose migrations. This multi-day workshop combines expert instruction in camera technique and composition with insider knowledge of the refuge’s best vantage points, lighting windows, and animal behavior. Expect predawn field sessions, guided scouting, image critique, and practical coaching tailored to all skill levels. Traci’s friendly, patient teaching style emphasizes visual storytelling, ethical wildlife practices, and making the most of New Mexico’s unique winter light.
Bosque del Apache sits along the Rio Grande in central New Mexico and serves as critical wintering habitat for tens of thousands of waterfowl and cranes. The refuge’s managed wetlands, seasonal pools, agricultural fields, and backwater channels create a mosaic of feeding and roosting opportunities. The geography funnels migrating birds into concentrated areas, producing dramatic massing behavior at sunrise and sunset. The wide-open desert skies and low-angle winter sun produce long, warm light and crisp shadows that are especially flattering for both wildlife and landscape images.
Key reasons Bosque del Apache stands out:
Concentrated numbers and predictable behaviors: Large numbers of snow geese and sandhill cranes move between roosts and feeding grounds with predictable timing—ideal for planning shoots and practicing technique.
Scenic variety: Marshes, levees, cottonwood silhouettes, and distant mountain backdrops give photographers many compositional choices and allow creative interplay between birds and landscape.
Accessibility: A refuge loop road with observation points and trails makes it possible to access varied scenes without long hikes, letting you spend more time photographing during critical light.
Conservation success: The refuge’s active habitat management supports the health of migratory populations; photographing here supports awareness of these conservation efforts.
What’s Included:
Transportation to refuge and throughout the duration of the tour
Hotel accommodations January 5 to checkout on January 9
Breakfast (complimentary hotel)
Welcome Dinner
Expert guiding and photography instruction in the field
Admission to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
What’s Not Included:
Airfare/transportation to Albuquerque, New Mexico (ABQ)
Photography/personal Gear
Lunch/dinners (except welcome dinner)
This tour begins and ends in Albuquerque, New Mexico (ABQ). Please make travel arrangements based on the itinerary below, or Contact Us for travel assistance.
Daily itinerary
Day 1: January 5
Arrive in Albuquerque by 2pm, followed by afternoon transport to lodging. We will visit a grocery store so guests can pick up snacks. In the evening, we will have a group welcome dinner.
Day 2-4: January 6-8
Early morning departure for sunrise in the refuge. We will spend the morning photographing snow geese, sandhill cranes, and other waterfowl. We can have a mid-day rest or guests may choose an editing session. Afternoons/evenings will be spent back in one of the refuges for more photography followed by dinner.
Day 5: January 9
Early morning departure for sunrise in the refuge followed by late morning check-out and transportation back to Albuquerque. Guests can arrange for late afternoon flights or stay in Albuquerque for morning flights the following day.
location & accommodations
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Socorro, New Mexico
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Holiday Inn Express Socorro
(Or similar)
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Tour Leader: traci sepkovic
I have always been captivated by the beauty and serenity of the natural world. My passion for the outdoors and deep respect for wildlife drive me to create images that not only capture the essence of nature but also inspire others to appreciate and protect it. Each photograph tells a story, offering a glimpse into the lives of the incredible creatures that share our planet.
Beyond photography, I find great joy in mentoring and sharing my knowledge with others. I love working with beginners, helping them build a solid foundation in photography, and guiding them to uncover their unique creative voice. For those looking to refine their skills, I’m committed to helping elevate their craft to new heights, whether it’s mastering technical aspects or developing a sharper artistic vision.
My mission is to inspire others—not only to improve their photography but also to see the world through a lens of curiosity, respect, and wonder. Together, we can explore the extraordinary beauty of nature and create images that make a lasting impact.