Sandhill cranes are some of the most notable birds in North America. They cannot be overlooked due to their large size of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.3 m) and incredible mobility. Sandhill cranes make their appearance in a half-dozen states during their annual north-south migration. The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, near Socorro in New Mexico, is one of the cranes’ favorite winter sites. It welcomes the cranes, which arrive from Alaska and Canada, in search of shelter and food during the cold months.
Migration process and season
Sandhill cranes spend the summer in the northern US states, Canada and Alaska, staying out of the heat, with some hiding in the taiga forests of Canada. In September and October, the birds take a trip to the San Luis Valley in Colorado, where they stay for a time to feed and rest. As temperatures drop, sandhill cranes travel south to New Mexico in late October or late November. They tend to stay in the grasslands of southern states and near the northern border of Mexico, and can frequently be seen in the Rio Grande Valley and the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.
Beginning in March, cranes begin moving toward the Midwest and western states of the U.S. Their usual route is along Nebraska’s Platte River, which offers abundant sources of food and water. After preparing for breeding and nesting season, sandhill cranes return to northern states and Canada as the heat intensifies.
Bird migration in Bosque del Apache
Starting on Halloween, the 57,331-acre (23,067-hectare) refuge located in the foothills of the Chupadera and San Pascual Mountains sees a spectacular bird show performed by sandhill cranes, whooping cranes, ducks and snow geese that stay in the forest of the Rio Grande at night and forage in nearby agricultural fields.
Best time and places
It is important to check at the visitor center for recent roosting sites and bird sightings. The best time to spot birds is usually at dawn, when they leave their night shelter in search of food. Top spots include the Wetland Roost along NM Highway 1 or the North Loop Pond, which is equipped with the Flight Deck for the best views. The birds usually leave around Valentine’s Day, heading to their breeding grounds in the north.
Hours and schedule
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is open from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. The Bosque del Apache Visitor Center and Friends Nature Store operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday.
Admission
The daily admission fee is $5 per pedestrian or per vehicle. The Bosque del Apache Annual Pass costs $15 and grants you access to the refuge for one year after purchase. The Federal Duck Stamp, which costs $25, gives you entry to all National Wildlife Refuges for one year. There is no fee on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Juneteenth, National Public Lands Day, the First Sunday of National Wildlife Refuge Week, and Veterans Day.
Arriving at the Apache Forest
The natural area stretches along old US Highway 85 and is easy to get to from nearby cities. If you are traveling from the north, drive on Interstate 25, then take exit 139 near the town of San Antonio, turn right onto Highway 1 and continue driving to the Visitor Center. Traveling to the refuge from the south is even easier: you just need to drive along Interstate 25 to Exit 115, after which you will again turn onto Highway 1 and continue driving to the Visitor Center.
Crane Festival (December 11-15, 2024)
To celebrate the annual migration, Bosque del Apache hosts the annual Crane Festival during the week before Thanksgiving, peak crane viewing time. The festival includes conferences, photography workshops and various educational activities. Creative visitors can also participate in the annual art contest or a photography competition. The event takes place at the shelter itself and at the Socorro City Convention Center, 18 miles (29 km) from the shelter. Some events also take place in the Plaza de Socorro, the Old Catholic Church of San Miguel and other places in Socorro.
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