Sandhill Cranes in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

Figure 1. Sandhill Cranes, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, NM.

Sandhill cranes are one of migratory birds commonly seen in US. They migrate to southern states like California, Arizona, and New Mexico in winter.

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico is the mecca for sandhill crane watchers and photographers. The habitat is restored after the work of decades and that's why population of sandhill cranes come here again. Snow geese are also very common here. Even I don't consider myself birder, I am thrilled by what I see and hear when I came here first time. Flocks by flocks of cranes just take off, fly over and land in close range. Usually you can hear their vocal sound when they approach. Although this is not my first time seeing a sandhill crane, this is the most impressing. More importantly, I become more interested in watching and doing bird photograph.

The experience in Bosque del Apache changes my thought about bird watching. Later I try to seek them in other places such as Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado, Merced National Wildlife Refuge and Modoc National Wildlife Refuge in California. For me, it's always fun to see these birds.

I miss Bosque del Apache. Wish I can make a trip there in this coming winter.


Figure 2. Sandhill Cranes at Sunset.