New Mexico is a must-visit destination for birders.

Each fall, thousands of Sandhill Cranes descend on the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge just outside Socorro. The cranes are soon joined by an array of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds, all coming together and congregating on the refuge’s wetlands and marshes. More than a dozen duck species overwinter here. Snow and Ross’s geese numbers rival that of the cranes. Bald Eagles and other raptors soar overhead in search of the abundant prey now available.

A true highlight of our time at Bosque is witnessing an early morning “fly-out,” when tens of thousands of geese and cranes take flight from their overnight roosts. 

This trip also includes visits to birding sites around Albuquerque, including places like Sandia Peak, a haven for all three species of rosy-finch during the colder months, and Petroglyph National Monument, Embudito Canyon, and Rio Grande Nature Center.

Of course, it’s not just the birding that makes the Land of Enchantment a top destination. New Mexico’s craft beer scene is equally enticing.

After spending our mornings with birds and other wildlife, we’ll have the opportunity to unwind at one of the state’s many craft breweries, where local brewers infuse the spirit of the Southwest into every pint. Whether sipping a chile-infused ale or a citrusy IPA, the vibrant flavors of a New Mexico brew pair perfectly with a day spent immersed in nature.

Throughout our four days together, we’ll travel in a custom American safari van with a conversion pop-top and spacious seating. This is not the traditional passenger van you may have traveled in on past trips. This one-of-a-kind vehicle has been specially designed by two wildlife biologists to allow for optimal viewing and comfort.

Join us for this unforgettable getaway highlighting two of the very best reasons to travel anywhere: birding and beers.

The Southern Plains Land Trust (SPLT), founded in 1998, creates and protects a network of shortgrass prairie preserves, ensuring a future for native flora and fauna including bison, prairie dogs, coyotes, beavers, badgers, black-footed ferrets, swift foxes, and numerous bird species. A donation to SPLT to aid in their land acquisition efforts will be made on behalf of all participants.

Chip Clouse is a long-time bird tour leader and Reefs to Rockies’ Lead Naturalist Guide. He’s also a craft beer enthusiast.

The Birds - Originally enamored with tooth and claw predators, my fascination with birds started by volunteering with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to monitor Peregrine Falcon nest sites. My fascination and love for birds was cemented once I saw my first Western Tanager while working for the Peregrine Fund in Oregon. I spent 20 years working in bird research and project management experience across nine states and the Caribbean nation of Grenada. I have a Masters in Conservation Biology from Colorado State University, five years with the American Birding Association, two years as a rep with Novagrade Digiscoping adapters and stints guiding at 15+ different US birding festivals. My fascination with all things avian continues strong to this day and I love New Mexico birding in December.

The Beers - Never one to settle for the standard American pilsner produced by the "big 3" back in the day, I fondly remember trying my first "craft beer" in college.  It was Anderson Valley's Boont Amber. Four short years later, I brewed my first beer - a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale clone recipe. I brewed many beers of different styles over the next 13 years. Now, I choose beers based on the season and always celebrate a life bird with a good brew. Even my Instagram handle is BeerBirder.  There are some phenomenal beers out of New Mexico.  My new favorite New Mexico brewery is Bow & Arrow, a Native American and woman-owned brewery in Albuquerque. We will make it a point to visit their taproom on this trip. Maybe we'll even be celebrating a lifer for you there. Cheers!