Wintering cranes, geese at Bosque del Apache shine in Canon workshop

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, home of a wildlife spectacle each year of wintering Sandhill Cranes, Snow Geese, and other birds, played host to a photography workshop last December hosted by Canon U.S.A., Inc. The Canon team livestreamed the event, which was hosted by Canon Explorer of Light and wildlife photographer Charles Glatzer and Canon Technical Specialist Kelly Anderson.

Canon technical experts stationed themselves at strategic locations within the refuge to capture the annual spectacle on camera from as many angles as possible. Every November and December, more than 50,000 cranes and other birds migrate from as far as Alaska and Siberia, landing at the refuge. The Canon experts were on site to share tips and tricks of wildlife photography, while online experts based in New York answered questions about the Canon gear in real-time.

The free event provided a unique viewing experience for those just starting their wildlife photography journey and established photographers. Canon experts captured the action with a series of cameras, including the newly released EOS R3 mirrorless camera, along with the EOS R5 camera, the EOS R6 camera and RF lenses. In addition, Canon streamed the event live to more than 1,700 registered viewers, using four EOS C500 Mark II cameras and one EOS C300 Mark III cinema camera. The workshop was also shared live on Canon U.S.A.’s social media channels, including YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, with more than 24,000 viewers.

The Bosque del Apache refuge is an oasis in the desert, but it’s facing several challenges, such as a shrinking water supply from the Rio Grande and little federal funding. In response, Canon supports the advocacy group Friends of Bosque del Apache. And its subsidiary Canon Solutions America, Inc., supports similar efforts at the Philadelphia-based nonprofit Fresh Artists and its “Bird Brigade.” The project inspires students in grades 3-12 to advocate for birds in peril, introducing collision mitigation techniques to their families, neighbors, and communities.

For more information about how Friends of Bosque del Apache helps protect the habitats for wildlife in the refuge, please visit its website.

Click here to watch a recording of the live event. To learn more about some of the Canon gear used to capture the crane migration in New Mexico, watch these short videos featuring the Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens, and the Canon EOS R3 and the RF400mm F2.8 L IS USM lens.

Below is a slideshow of several photos taken during the event by Rebecca Nichols, Canon’s senior manager of field education and engagement. You can follow Rebecca on Instagram @therebeccanichols.