BLAST-OFF__We stand with fellow Bird-Lovers, watching and waiting for thousands of snow geese to lift from the pond and take to the skies and nearby corn fields.  Fifteen minutes before sunrise. Those always- talkative geese raise their high-pitched voices in a short crescendo. Then bam. They blast from the water in unison flying over and around us. A Happy New Year for sure. Note: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is in New Mexico. Located on the Central Flyway, providing a winter home for migrating birds.