SpaceX Falcon-9

Since we were staying close to Vandenberg Air Force Base, we decided to try to watch the rescheduled launch of SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket.  This launch, carrying ten next generation Iridium satellites, was critical to the future of SpaceX.

A number of people were parked just outside the base hoping to see the launch.

Right after the scheduled launch time, the rocket appeared rising behind a ridge between our location and the launch pad.

In the upper atmosphere the rocket started to produce a contrail.

This is a heavy crop since the rocket climbed quickly and headed downrange.

The distant rocket shrouded by its own contrail

The upper winds quickly twisted the originally straight contrail.

Bosque del Apache - Miscellaneous

This is a collection of various scenes and wildlife from our recent visit to Bosque del Apache.

A Bald Eagle with typical Bosque del Apache scenery

Great Blue Heron

Cormorant

Skunk

The setting sun lighting up road dust

One of several coyotes we spotted

Finches

One of the refuge canals

Bosque del Apache - Geese

Bosque del Apache is known for having thousands of white Snow Geese and Ross's Geese during the winter.  These geese tend to stay in very large flocks.

Flock of geese floating on one of the refuge ponds

Geese in flight

Awaiting dawn at the "Flight Deck" pond

Before dawn, a large flock of geese flew in from a nearby pond to join the group in front of us.

Soon after dawn, the "mass ascension" began as the geese left the pond in search of food.

A large flock feeding in one of the refuge fields

Another mass lift-off of geese

Close up

 

Bosque del Apache - Cranes

 We spent November 21-28 at the Bosque Birdwatchers RV Park just outside the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge near San Antonio, New Mexico.  We love to come to Bosque del Apache in the winter months to see and photograph the large population of birds that spend the winter there.  One of the most popular birds during this time is the Sandhill Crane.

This large field was always full of feeding Sandhill Cranes.

Coming over the treetops

Coming in for a landing

Cranes running prior to take-off

Cranes spend their nights in the shallow ponds for safety against predators.

Cranes in the pre-dawn sky flying towards a feeding area.

A few more cranes in flight

Bernardo Wildlife Area - November 20, 2016

Here are images from our second day of visiting the Bernardo Wildlife Area.