View during an early morning visit Thursday to Bosque del Apache. A good time to visit is the early part of November to see more birds, Thursday was limited in the Sandhill Cranes. Photo by Nancy Ann Hibbs

Snow geese viewed Thursday at Bosque del Apache. Photo by Nancy Ann Hibbs

Sandhill Cranes and  Gambel’s Quail viewed Thursday at Bosque del Apache. Photo by Nancy Ann Hibbs

A Gambel’s Quail viewed Thursday at Bosque del Apache. Gambel’s Quail viewed are gregarious birds of the desert Southwest, where coveys gather along brushy washes and cactus-studded arroyos to feed. Males and females both sport a bobbing black topknot of feathers. The male’s prominent black belly patch distinguishes it from the similar California Quail. This ground-hugging desert dweller would rather run than fly—look for these tubby birds running between cover or posting a lookout on low shrubs. Photo by Nancy Ann Hibbs

Gambel’s Quail viewed Thursday at Bosque del Apache. Photo by Nancy Ann Hibbs