Crane Fiesta Webinars Recordings and Featured Videos
Crane Fiesta 2020 was a mix of virtual medias. Friends of Bosque del Apache partnered with many educational, conservation, and photography groups to bring you pre-recorded featured videos, live webinars, and other virtual events.
Our birding webinars will be available soon!
Thursday, November 19th
Morning Fly Out
Facebook Event with Bosque del Apache staff and Friends of Bosque del Apache
It’s early, it’s dark, and it’s cold, but you’ll be joining us from the comfort of your home! When thousands of cranes and geese take flight, the sights and sounds are spectacular!
Bosque del Apache: Field Of Dreams On The Great River
Featured video by Friends of Bosque del Apache and US Fish and Wildlife Service with videographer Steve Siegel
One of the most heavily managed refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, Bosque del Apache is a part-time home to hundreds of species and a year-round home to hundreds more, including endangered and threatened species. Join Steve Siegel and USFWS for a virtual storytelling of the history and management of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.
Field of Dreams
Video by Steve Siegel
39 Days
Featured video by Nancy Merrill
Sponsored by The Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition
Sandhill cranes mate for life and their young will stay with them for up to ten months – even to their wintering grounds at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. This video filmed in the Yampa Valley of Colorado follows a sandhill crane pair and their colts from nesting to hatching to growth to migration.
39 Days
By Nancy Merrill
Wide Angle to Telephoto Landscapes: Capturing the Essence of the Scene
Photography webinar with Kristen Ryan
Sponsored by Sigma
This video will only be accessible until December 4th, 2020
Compelling landscape imagery can be created with a full range of focal lengths. From the ultra-wide to the telephoto, the best focal length is the one that captures what draws your eye to the scene and makes you click the shutter. In this class, Kristen Ryan will go through her process for choosing a lens and focal length to best tell the story of a scene. Through descriptions and image examples, she will share how she uses her wide-angle and telephoto Sigma lenses to capture the beauty of the world.
How To Select And Properly Use The Right Gear For Bird Photography
Photography webinar with Scott Bourne
Sponsored by Olympus
This video will only be accessible until December 4th, 2020
Olympus Visionary Scott Bourne discussed what gear he relies on in his job as a professional wildlife photographer and covered everything from long lens technique to proper approaches to birds in flight and more.
Birds of Prey: Introduction to the Deadly Beauty Series
Featured video with Sandra Noll
Sponsored by Friends of Bosque del Apache
Species making up the family of Raptors, aka Birds of Prey include masters of the wind and soaring, a prominent national symbol, and the fastest creature on the planet. Sandra Noll weaves information, photography and story into an educational and entertaining overview of this family of birds. Created as an introduction to falconer Matt Mitchell’s webinars the program also stands on its own as an informative overview of the family of raptors.
Birds of Prey: Introduction to the Deadly Beauty Series
Featured video with Sandra Noll
Approaching Landscape
Photography webinar with Christopher Gilbert
Sponsored by FujiFilm
This video will only be accessible until December 4th, 2020
In this class, Christopher Gilbert expanded on the process of adding visual depth to your landscape photograph.
Crane Basics
Webinar with Sandra Noll and Erv Nichols
Sponsored by Friends of Bosque del Apache
When watching a group of sandhill cranes, did you ever wonder, “What’s up with those birds?” Crane Basics is your opportunity to make sense of crane biology and behavior and gain knowledge that will significantly enhance your crane watching experience. Explore into crane migration, family life, body language, and vocalizations through photographs, captivating video, and a bit of humor too in this live webinar!
Friends of Bosque del Apache: Our Flyway, Our Refuge, Our Home
Video by Friends of Bosque del Apache with videographer Christi Bode
We explore Bosque del Apache and the surrounding area because of our love for wildlife and wild landscapes. We are a part of a community, a diverse and interesting community that includes the wildlife that live in the Socorro Valley or visit often. It also includes our passionate community of conservation groups and concerned citizens that care about the refuge, the Rio Grande, and continental flyways. In this featured video, we will learn more about the diverse community members and their perspectives on the Rio Grande, our local area, the birds that join us each year, and the importance of refuges to all life on our planet.
Friends of the Bosque del Apache: Our Flyway, Our Refuge, Our Home
Video by Christi Bode
Mirrorless Cameras for Wildlife Photography
Photography webinar with Shiv Verma
Sponsored by Panasonic
This video will only be accessible until December 4th, 2020
The camera technology of the last several years has made wildlife, bird, and birds in flight photography easier than ever before. New digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras have made action photography much easier than it was when the manual focus was the rule rather than the exception. Now Mirrorless cameras have entered the realm of nature, wildlife, and action photography. Shiv Verma will address the various features of Mirrorless cameras and how to set them up to obtain images that are at par with the best of DSLR’s. You will learn how to obtain tack sharp images, correct exposure, when and how to use auto focus and manual focus modes, flight shot techniques (both handheld and with a tripod), panning techniques, and much more.
Evening Fly In
Sponsored by Bosque del Apache staff and Friends of Bosque del Apache
As the shadows grow long and the sun begins to set, thousands of geese and cranes return to the nighttime safety of the wetlands on the refuge. Tune in to view this spectacular scene!
Creating Fantastic Images – Composition and Compositional Guidelines for Wildlife Photographers
Photography webinar with Hector Astorga
Sponsored by Sony
This video will only be accessible until December 4th, 2020
We do not take photographs; we create them! Join us for a program on composition and compositional guidelines. Hector Astorga will share what he looks for when he creates his images. He will discuss and show examples of how to combine guidelines and elements to create amazing photographs. This program will demonstrate how to start looking for compositions in the field and how to perfect them.
Friday, November 20th
Easy Phonescoping
Live photography webinar with Richard Moncrief
Sponsored by Zeiss
This video will only be accessible until December 4th, 2020
Join Richard Moncrief to learn about Phonescoping and how to make the most of it for great photography. From equipment to technical tips, this webinar will help you understand how to make those phone photos even better.
Fort Craig Virtual Tour
Featured video with Public Lands Interpretive Association
Sponsored by the Public Lands Interpretive Association
Join a professional archaeologist and professor for a tour of the historic ruins of Fort Craig. Situated in the stark beauty of Socorro County, New Mexico and nestled along the Rio Grande Valley, Fort Craig played a critical role in frontier campaigns and is associated with many notable Native figures, including Geronimo, Victorio, and Nana. Other prominent figures whose stories are interwoven with Fort Craig include those of Kit Carson, Rafael Chacón, Captain Jack Crawford, as well as the famous 9th Cavalry, better known as the Buffalo Soldiers. The tour will focus on Fort Craig’s significance during the American Civil War and the Pyrrhic Confederate victory at the Battle of Valverde, which was fought nearby.
Join us at Fort Craig National Historic Site during Crane Fiesta 2020
Video by Public Lands Interpretive Association
Raptor Identification
Live webinar with Catherine Sandell, USFWS Volunteer
Join USFWS volunteer and expert birder Catherine Sandell in this raptor identification webinar and learn about the raptors that can be found at Bosque del Apache. This will be an interactive webinar with Catherine giving a detailed presentation and a questions and answer portion at the end.
Land Witness Project: Climate Crisis from the Front Lines
Part 1
Featured video by the Land Witness Project
Sponsored by the Land Witness Project
This featured series will focus on communities and individuals who are experiencing changes from rising temperatures, forest fires, lack of snow pack and extreme drought conditions. Meet Kevin Cobble, former refuge manager of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Deeply aware of the magical beauty, ecological importance and economic value of the Bosque del Apache, Kevin shares stories that even frequent visitors may not be aware of. He points out the visible, harmful impacts of climate change on Bosque del Apache, and highlights the many positive steps that have already been taken to protect the refuge from increasing heat and lack of water. Part 2 of this series is offered Saturday, November 21st at 9:00 AM MDT.
For more info about the Land Witness Project:
Website: https://www.landwitnessproject.com
Instagram: @landwitnessproject
Twitter: @LandWitness
Facebook: @landwitnessproject
Email for questions or to submit your story: landwitnessproject@gmail.com
Land Witness Project | NM Climate Stories | Kevin Cobble
Video by the Land Witness Project
Deadly Beauty Behavior
Webinar with Matthew Mitchell
Sponsored by Friends of Bosque del Apache
Explore the strategies that hawks and falcons use to catch their prey and raise their young. The webinar will be led by Matthew Mitchell – falconer, raptor breeder, and wildlife rehabilitator. Trained hawks and falcons will be released to fly, chase lures, and possibly even hunt wild prey (viewers be warned!).
Please watch the video before tuning into the recorded question and answer segment.
Deadly Beauty Behavior
Video by Steve Siegel
How to Select Birding Optics 2020
Webinar with Richard Moncrief
Sponsored by Zeiss
This video will only be accessible until December 4th, 2020
Since we are diurnal, handy creatures, toolmakers, and tool users, our eyes work best within the reach of our arms and in full daylight. To observe more distant detail, color, action, and in poor light conditions, we need a little bit of help. Join Richard Moncrief as he shows what to look for in the world of binoculars.
Cranes of the World
Webinar with Sandra Noll
Sponsored by Friends of Bosque del Apache
Join Sandra Noll for a generously illustrated program that opens with an overview of the history, art, and mythology of cranes followed by introductions to the world’s fifteen crane species. The two species specific to North America, sandhill and whooping cranes, will be given prominence. Woven throughout is the International Crane Foundation’s mission to conserve worldwide ecosystems, watersheds, and flyways upon which cranes depend.
IRIS PASSCAL Tour
Webinar with IRIS PASSCAL
Sponsored by IRIS PASSCAL
IRIS PASSCAL supports the exploration of the Earth’s crust, mantle and core to enhance fundamental understanding of earthquakes, volcanoes, crustal deformation, mantle convection, global geodynamics and the history of the continents. Dave Thomas will talk about how this Socorro-based service center supports seismology science around the globe and will share a pre-recorded tour of the facility. Learn about the mysterious Phantom Tsunami of 1700, the Socorro Magma Body that lies underneath our region, the history of quakes in Socorro, and more!
Duck Identification
Webinar with Catherine Sandell, USFWS Volunteer
Join USFWS volunteer and expert birder Catherine Sandell in this duck identification webinar and learn about the ducks that can be seen at Bosque del Apache. This will be an interactive webinar with Catherine giving a detailed presentation and a questions and answer portion at the end.
Birding for Kids
Photography webinar with Richard Moncrief
Sponsored by Zeiss
Join Rich Moncrief as he shows young birders how to get started with birdwatching. He will talk about birding responsibly, locating birds, and some key points on how to identify them.
Bird Photography: Getting Creative
Photography webinar with Cameron Darnell
This video will only be accessible until December 4th, 2020
Birds provide a myriad of opportunities for artistic expression beyond a standard portrait. Whether the photographer utilizes backlight, negative space or depth of field, capturing a variety of unique compositions can create a visually stunning bird portfolio. In this workshop, Cameron will explain how he spots birds from afar with his Zeiss binoculars and subsequently determines how to create a thoughtful image that tells the bird’s story. He will share descriptions and image examples highlighting various techniques for becoming a more creative bird photographer.
Ornitherapy with Holly Merker
Webinar with Holly Merker
Watching birds: not only fun, but good for you.
We’re pushed and pulled in many directions, no matter our age. This can
be tiresome, but if we allow birds and nature to slow us down, we are self-medicating.
Ornitherapy is the mindful observation of birds and nature, while benefitting our bodies and minds by these connections. Birds are charismatic, all around us, and gateways into deeper experiences with nature.
Research shows that exposure to nature actively reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, while helping build a stronger heart and immune system. We’ll explore our connections to birds, how to practice Ornitherapy, and learn more about the science behind it.
Saturday, November 21st
Morning Fly Out
Facebook Event with Bosque del Apache staff and Friends of Bosque del Apache
It’s early, it’s dark, and it’s cold, but you’ll be joining us from the comfort of your home! When thousands of cranes and geese take flight, the sights and sounds are spectacular!
Sandhill Crane or Great Blue Heron
Featured video by Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition mascot Sandy, filmed by Barry Kaplan
Sponsored by The Colorado Crane Conservation Coalition (CCCC)
Sandy, the official Yampa Valley Crane Festival mascot, pairs up with a Great Blue Heron sculpture to offer an amusing and accurate explanation of the differences between sandhill cranes and great blue herons.
Did you know that Bosque del Apache has great blue herons all year? They are rarely seen with other great blue herons, so keep an eye out for these large birds on your next trip to the refuge!
Sandhill Crane or Great Blue Heron?
By CCCC mascot Sandy, filmed by Barry Kaplan
Land Witness Project: Climate Crisis from the Front Lines
Part 2
Featured video by the Land Witness Project
Sponsored by the Land Witness Project
This featured series will focus on communities and individuals who are experiencing changes from rising temperatures, forest fires, lack of snow pack and extreme drought conditions. Meet Lorenzo Candelaria, farmer/owner of Cornelio Candelaria Organics in Albuquerque’s South Valley. With a twinkle in his eye and the cultural wisdom of generations of his family’s life on the Atrisco Land Grant, Lorenzo’s passion for community based, sustainable agriculture is infectious. He raises our awareness of one of life’s essentials, FOOD: where it comes from, how our food systems are endangered, and what we can do to rebuild resilient, community focused farms.
NM Climate Stories| Lorenzo Candelaria
By the Land Witness Project
There and Back: Waterfowl
Webinar with Richard Crossley
One morning Richard woke up and decided he needed to drive to the Arctic Ocean – from his home in Cape May, NJ. Told in a thick Yorkshire accent, with a sense of humor and a disdain for PC, Richard talks about his 16,000 mile adventure, living in his car, the inspiring people he met, and places he went. Did it shape The Crossley ID Guide: Waterfowl, would he recommend you do the same trip, are just two of the many questions that Richards will address. The answers will surprise you.
The Mirrorless Program
Photography webinar with Noah Buchanan
Sponsored by Hunt’s Photo & Video
This video will only be accessible until December 4th, 2020
The mirrorless program is designed to inform and educate people on the pros and cons of Mirrorless cameras as well as clear up misconceptions that are commonly known about them. The program will touch on lens options, adaptability of old lenses and different mounts, explanation of the electronic viewfinder, and the in body stabilization. Noah Buchanan will also talk about mirrorless vs digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) and much more. This webinar is for entry level and professional photographers.
Straw Oboe- a Homemade Honker
Featured video by the Wonders on Wheels Mobile Museum
People have been inspired by natural sounds throughout history, by listening to the sounds of wind, water, plants, and animals. People have imitated these sounds and invented new sounds to express themselves and communicate with others. Whistles and horns are wind instruments. Birds call to each other for locating family members, making decisions on safe places to rest, for expressing feelings of joy or worry, for many reasons. Can you use a straw, paper, tape and scissors to make an instrument that mimics the sound of a bird? Join Wonders on Wheels during Crane Fiesta 2020 to make your instrument!
Straw Oboe- a Homemade Honker
By the Wonders on Wheels
Prairie Dogs in Peril
Webinar with James E. Trever from Prairie Dog Pals
Sponsored by Prairie Dog Pals of Albuquerque
James E. Trever from Prairie Dog Pals of Albuquerque will show a live prairie dog and a presentation for adults (and one for kids listed separately) describing the biology of the prairie dogs. The presentation will include two videos depicting their behavior in their burrows and the humorous “jump yips” of the black tail prairie dog. James will lead a discussion about the amazing language of the prairie dogs and how intelligent these animals are. He will also talk about the struggles that this keystone species face today. James will take questions as time permits.
Light Painting Photography Technique
Photography webinar with Michael Novo
Sponsored by Litra
This video will only be accessible until December 4th, 2020
In a wedding and portrait industry that’s overwhelmingly more saturated with photographers of all skill levels, there’s a stronger demand each day to be different and stand out from the crowd. Using a technique called “light painting”, you will witness and then create art pieces that are unlike any other on human subjects in complex environments. In this class we will first go over the various introductory methods and tools that are used to paint with light and then you will apply what you have learned in your own session. Finally you will be guided through the editing process which is where you truly add your own flavor to the final piece. You will learn about composing a scene in your mind before image capture, as well as lighting angles and techniques. Michael Novo will also talk about Photoshop adjustment and editing, he will provide a gear review and talk about the importance of selecting the right tool for the job. Michael strives to create original art that his clients will not see elsewhere and he will guide registrants on how they can find their own style.
Prairie Dogs in Peril: Wildlife Zone Program
Webinar with James E. Trever from Prairie Dog Pals
Sponsored by Prairie Dog Pals of Albuquerque
James E. Trever from Prairie Dog Pals of Albuquerque will show a prairie dog and a presentation for kids (and one for adults listed separately) describing the biology of prairie dogs. The presentation will include two videos depicting their behavior in their burrows and the humorous “jump yips” of the black tail prairie dog. James will lead a discussion about the amazing language of the prairie dogs and how intelligent these animals are. He will also talk about the struggles that this keystone species face today. James will take questions as time permits.
Share with Wildlife
Video by The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
What is Share with Wildlife? The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish’s non-game enhancement program funded by donations from the public. Each year, the program distributes funds for non-game focused projects including non-game wildlife research, education, rehabilitation (i.e., wildlife rescue, treatment, and care), and habitat purchase and improvement projects. This video feature will introduce you to this key and vital component of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
Share with Wildlife
By the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Deadly Beauty: Raptors and Man
Webinar with Matthew Mitchell
Sponsored by Friends of Bosque del Apache
Join falconer and wildlife rehabilitator Matthew Mitchell with his free-flying raptors as he highlights the interconnectedness of birds of prey in our lives. The discussion will focus on falconry, captive breeding, and raptor rehabilitation. We will watch trained hawks and falcons play, fly, and yes, hunt (viewers be warned!).
The first part of the webinar is a pre recorded featured video. If the webinar recording blurs the video, please watch the video in the link below and then tuning back into the question and answer portion of the webinar at 25:00 minutes into the recording.
Deadly Beauty: Raptors and Man
Video by Steve Siegel
Essential Tools of the Trade
Photography webinar with Jack Graham
Sponsored by FujiFilm
Composition + Subject + Light + Gear + Attitude + Dedication = SUCCESSFUL and ARTISTIC IMAGERY
Jack Graham will go into depth about these 6 topics that can make or break your images in a comprehensive pictorial presentation. These considerations are primary for success. Contained within this discussion are insights that perhaps we might not consider when trying our hardest to make that great image. Sometimes it is right in front of you, but you do not consider these important concepts. And even if you do, it is great to hear them again.
Art with the archeologist and anthropologist Mary Weahkee
Featured videos by the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe
Learn more about Indian Arts and culture in these two educational videos.
In the first video, Mary Weahkee, an archaeologist for the State of New Mexico, was commissioned by the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe to re-create the ancient craft of making a blanket from thousands of turkey feathers, for an upcoming exhibit. In this video, captured over a period of many months, she demonstrates every step in the process from making yucca cordage from narrow-leaf yucca leaves, to the final weaving process.
In the second video, Mary shows the process of making a Mogollon-style sandal using woven broad-leaf yucca combined with fiber cordage from narrow-leaf yucca, reproducing a technique used hundreds and possibly thousands of years ago.
Mary Weahkee makes a turkey feather blanket
By the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe
Mary Weahkee makes Mogollon sandals from yucca
By the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe
Migrating with Sandhill Cranes
Webinar with Sandra Noll and Erv Nichols
Sponsored by Friends of Bosque del Apache
This webinar documents Erv Nichols and Sandra Noll’s six-month journey following sandhill crane migration from wintering grounds in New Mexico through mid-continent flyway staging areas in Colorado and Nebraska to breeding grounds in Alaska. The narrative is enhanced by serendipitous encounters with nature and wildlife along the way. Interesting information and stunning photography are woven into an entertaining tapestry of their journey and relationship with this remarkable bird.
Catfishing Fun: Wildlife Zone Program
Featured video by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will provide basic information in regard to fishing around Bosque del Apache for catfish species. Catfishing spots can be found from San Acacia all the way to Caballo Lake. Species of catfish, equipment needs, regulations, and many more points will be covered. Catfishing is a relaxing sport that can provide fabulous protein for the family while allowing those who participate in the sport an opportunity to enjoy nature and to see some birds too.
Catfishing with New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
By the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Creating Magic with Nisi Filters
Photography webinar with Joshua Snow
Sponsored by NiSi Filters
This presentation will illustrate the power of photographic filters in nature photography both technically and creatively!
Alaska Wildlife Photography
Webinar with Jerry Jacques
Sponsored by Alaska Grizzly Safaris
Learn the secret places that top professionals go to successfully capture images of Alaska’s magnificent seven: caribou, dall sheep, grizzly and brown bears, moose, polar bear, walrus and wolves.
Alaska is 2 1/2 times the size of Texas and has 33,904 miles of coastline. Knowing where to go and how to get there is a huge challenge yet fantastic photographic locations are accessible for every age and every budget – from easy day trips to hardcore expeditions all across Alaska.. Alaska Master Guide, Jerry Jacques, will cover where to go, how to get there, who to contact, when the best times to go are and what equipment you will need.
Evening Fly In
Sponsored by Bosque del Apache staff and Friends of Bosque del Apache
As the shadows grow long and the sun begins to set, thousands of geese and cranes return to the nighttime safety of the wetlands on the refuge. Tune in to view this spectacular scene!