Thanks for checking out the photos and your comments!

Thanks! The turkeys were really funny. When I spotted them, they were a flock of maybe 39 or so, and far down a blocked off road. I had to use binoculars to see that they were turkeys, not rocks or javelinas. As I watched, they all started running towards me. I used a gate as tripod and just shot till they lifted off in from of me. I'd never seen the "whisks" or tufts of long feathers on the turkeys' breast before! I guess they are called "beards"!

BdA has an annual welcome to the cranes event usually the week before Thanksgiving. It is a huge event crammed into pretty small space, with lots of workshops, teaching and training for 4 or 5 days. I've never been to one, but make an intention to make my first Bosque trip the week before. The crowds of people aren't a scene I'd enjoy. These are shots from last weekend, Nov. 10. It had to be in the 80's! Each year they flood different sections and plant different crops - this year there is a lot of corn planted. That is very good for the cranes! And a section of the preserve "loop" is opened up giving more viewing of the feeding birds. It's going to be a great year!

Thanks for looking and all your responses. Long live photography!

This wildlife refuge is about 10 miles outside of Roswell, NM. It is wetland that holds lots of migrating birds. I see a lot of cranes but very few Ibis or pelicans. Spent a lot of time waiting for flocks to cross the full moon while waiting for sun up...

There were all taken with Nikon D500, Tamron 15-650mm; using Group Auto Focus, Manuel with auto ISO

I really love SmugMug. However, I doubt if it is significantly different or better than other similar sites. I like how one can arrange and display images and use huge files without concern. My "operating system" is that this passion and joy of photography has led me to happily purchase, over time, an assortment of photo equipment that I never dreamed would be within my budget! I'm not going to flinch at paying the cost of a movie ticket a month to enjoy the photos myself and share them with friends and family.

Thanks for all the responses - yes, that's a road runner, the state bird of New Mexico!

It never ceases to amaze me that in the city of Albuquerque we have these wonderful places for wildlife! Balloons show up along with ducks, geese, cranes, coyotes, roadrunners, and lots of flycatchers and other birds. Twice we spotted a pair of Phainopeplas but were not able to get a photo. Not a common bird in these parts. Went back 4 mornings in a row to try to get a picture but guess they moved on...

Thanks to you all for viewing and your comments...

You’re correct. Sorry, my bad. I had one of the cranes and several with the geese...

I agree! You'd have to put in quite a bit of effort!

Second batch...
Let me know if you want more balloon pictures...several hundred yet that made the cut...

This year's balloon fiesta was a whole week of spectacular weather and ballooning! I went a couple of times, and yesterday, went to the Open Space in Albuquerque because I heard that the cranes had returned. So I had opportunity for a couple shots with birds and balloons together. Had to wait and watch and wait for luck!

Thanks for the comments and for checking out the photos!

Thanks for viewing the Balloon pictures!