Winter Birds & Bosque
Trip Highlights
Witness one of North America’s most breathtaking wildlife spectacles: the mass dawn liftoff of snow geese and sandhill cranes at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.
Travel from high desert peaks to vibrant riparian oases in search of wintering raptors, waterfowl, and southwestern specialties.
Ride in style in our custom Roaming Bison safari van for optimal wildlife viewing and comfort.
Savor delicious Southwestern cuisine at woman-owned restaurants while exploring New Mexico’s vibrant culture and flavors.
Connect with like-minded women and your expert naturalist guide on a small-group winter wildlife expedition designed to inspire awe and connection.
Locations:
Albuquerque, Sandia Mountains, Bosque del Apache NWR, and Socorro, New Mexico
Dates:
December 6-9, 2025
Limit:
5 – 7
Trip Details
Join Her Wild Life Expeditions for a unique winter wildlife journey to New Mexico, where desert landscapes meet snowy peaks, and tens of thousands of birds gather in one of the greatest avian congregations in North America.
December in New Mexico is a time of stillness and spectacle—a season of crisp mornings, glowing sunsets, and extraordinary natural events.
Over four unforgettable days, we’ll explore world-class birding hotspots with expert biologist guide Carly Crow. From the soaring heights of Sandia Crest to the cinematic dawn “burst” at Bosque del Apache, you’ll witness avian abundance at its finest. You’ll also get a taste of local culture through meals at woman-owned restaurants and overnight stays in comfortable, locally based accommodations.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just beginning your wildlife journey, this expedition is about more than checklists—it’s about connection: with nature, with each other, and with the inspiring work of women protecting wild spaces.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival and Afternoon Birding
Accommodations: Hampton Inn & Suites North/I-25
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2 – Sandia Heights to Socorro Nights
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Socorro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3 – The Dawn Burst and Beyond
We’ll head out early to catch the dawn “burst” at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge—a soul-stirring spectacle as thousands of birds take to the sky in a synchronized eruption at sunrise. From there, we’ll spend the day exploring the refuge’s rich mosaic of habitats, keeping our eyes peeled for bald eagles, northern harriers, and a variety of wintering waterfowl. As the sun sets, we’ll gather for a festive dinner and share reflections on our favorite sightings and moments from the day.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Socorro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4 - One Last Look and Farewell
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Your Guide
Carly Crow
Meet Carly Crow, your naturalist guide with a passion for wildlife and a deep desire to share the wonders of nature with others. Originally from Georgia and now based in Denver, Colorado, she holds a Bachelor of Science in ecology and a master’s in biology, with a focus on ecology and evolution. Her time as a field ornithologist has taken her around the world—including to the wilds of Costa Rica—and now she’s bringing that experience to you as a Her Wild Life Expeditions guide. Though she’s often asked about her favorite bird or mammal, Carly believes that’s a forbidden question—like asking a parent to pick a favorite child! When she’s not guiding or chasing birds, you can find her drawing, hiking in the Rockies, or curled up with a book. If she won the lottery, she’d buy some land to keep chickens and bees and run a roadside stand selling eggs and honey.
What to Expect
Every Her Wild Life expedition is designed to offer full, active days for women traveling together seeking authentic, immersive wildlife experiences. This often means being active when wildlife is most active. The trips are carefully planned to put you in the right place at the right time, while acknowledging that unforgettable wildlife encounters require both a bit of luck and the expertise of your guide team.
This New Mexico expedition involves:
- Full, enriching days in the field, in a mix of mountain, desert, riparian, and wetland habitats.
- Early mornings, especially for the dawn “burst” at Bosque del Apache.
- Leisurely hikes and walks (1-2 miles/day) on mostly flat terrain, with some uneven surfaces.
- Cool to cold weather, especially in the mornings and at higher elevations. Layers and warm outerwear are a must.
- The ability to climb in and out of a lifted 4WD passenger van using a provided stool.
Accommodations
- 1 night at Hampton Inn in Albuquerque
- 2 nights at Holiday Inn in Socorro
What's Included
- All ground transportation beginning and ending in Albuquerque
- 3 nights of lodging as listed (single occupancy included)
- All meals as listed
- Activities and entrance fees as listed
- Expert naturalist guide Carly Crow
- Daily birding walks and wildlife viewing sessions
- Field snacks and water
- Gratuities for your guides and at restaurants for included meals
- Conservation donation to Southern Plains Land Trust
What's Not Included
- Airfare or other transportation to/from Albuquerque
- Travel insurance (quotes available)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities not listed
- Pre- or post-trip hotels
- Room upgrades
- Gratuities for hotel staff
- Personal expenses
Cost
$2295 per person for private, single-occupancy accommodations, with a $275 discount for travelers sharing a room.
Conservation Impact
Southern Plains Land Trust is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to protecting and rewilding the Southern Plains through the creation of a network of prairie refuges. Since its founding, the organization has permanently protected more than 60,000 acres of shortgrass prairie, providing critical habitat for native plants and animals. A conservation donation to support the Southern Plains Land Trust’s efforts will be made on behalf of all trip participants.