The Rio Grande bosque in February is one of the most photogenic environments in New Mexico. The sandhill cranes and snow geese are still present, the cottonwood trees are starkly beautiful in their bare winter form, and the low winter sun angle creates extraordinary golden light.

Saturday morning photography walks pair participants with naturalist guides who know where the best light falls and which areas are most active with wildlife movement. Even with a smartphone camera, participants routinely capture images worth framing.

Subjects abound: sandhill cranes lifting from roosting sites in early mist, great blue herons in ice-edged pools, red-tailed hawks above the cottonwood canopy.

Bring the best camera you have. Arrive early to claim a spot by the river before the light gets high.