Raptors Galore!
OspreyFest, now in its 5th year, has grown to be the outdoor educational event of north-central New Mexico. This year we are pleased to have as featured speaker Dr Jean-Luc Cartron, the James Hemphill Brown Distinguished Professor of Biology at the University of New Mexico, who will also be on hand to sign his soon-to-be-released Raptors of New Mexico. Dr Cartron will be joined in a panel discussion by noted raptor rehabilitator Dr Kathleen Ramsay, and biology researcher Dale Stahlecker.
OspreyFest takes place annually during the second weekend in July. It is staged at Heron Lake State Park—home to more than 20 pairs of breeding osprey—and timed to provide an opportunity to view fledglings in the nest at close range. We are also pleased to have the participation of exhibitors such as Santa Fe Raptors, The Wildlife Center of Espanola, and New Mexico Raptors, who bring a variety of uncaged raptors for the education of visitors of all ages.
The highlight for many visitors is the availability of a guided pontoon-boat Water Safari, which provides a unique angle for viewing less-accessible nests and other lush scenery and wildlife in the park. Departures are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, and are weather-dependent. Pre-register NOW to secure a preferred time.
At an altitude of 7300 feet, Heron Lake State Park, and nearby El Vado Lake State Park, are home to trout, kokanee salmon, bald eagles, blue heron, white pelicans, and many species of wild birds. Nights are cool and clear, days are pleasant, and summer months often bring afternoon thunderstorms. There are premium camping facilities for all rigs and budgets, with special areas are set aside for Audubon Society visitors and OspreyFest pre-registrants.
A Word from Our Sponsor
OspreyFest is sponsored by The Friends of Heron and El Vado Lakes,a 501[c]3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping the staff of Heron and El Vado Lakes State Parks and the New Mexico State Parks Division create and maintain educational and recreational opportunities for the communities they serve.
