The annual Crane Festival at Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge in central New Mexico isn’t just about cranes. The festival brings together experienced bird watchers and those new to the hobby, providing opportunities to learn about sand cranes and other wildlife. The festival also offers workshops and experiences about the refuge.
Crane Festival in the Apache Forest
The Bosque del Apache is a haven for all seasons, but fall and winter are the time to see the most birds, from early November to mid-February. Every fall thousands of birds flying south stop where they can be seen, photographed and witnessed en masse. The annual Crane Festival takes place every November, with the star attraction being the sand cranes.
Many visitors arrive before sunrise to see thousands of light geese moving on the water. As the sun rises, flocks rise en masse in a cacophony of sound and wing. Sandhill cranes come out in groups after geese. Geese and cranes spend the day in nearby fields where they feed. In the afternoons, the birds fly back with waves of sound and wings in a display as spectacular as the morning takeoff.
The annual crane festival takes place both indoors and outdoors. On the automatic circuit, visitors can drive through the refuge. The observation decks around the circuit are perfect places to take pictures, use observation sights, and learn from the volunteers stationed there. Inside, there are more than 100 lectures, workshops and hands-on activities, all related to the annual migration of birds. Outdoors, there will be hikes and tours, such as special photography tours.
A wildlife zone features exhibits and demonstrations, as well as rescued birds. There are opportunities for horseback riding, biking, learning about birds, and listening to speakers on a variety of topics.
A wildlife zone features exhibits and demonstrations, as well as rescued birds. There are opportunities for horseback riding, biking, learning about birds, and listening to speakers on a variety of topics. Over the course of six days, visitors can experience the beauty and wonder of migratory birds in a variety of ways. The annual event is run by the Amigos del Bosque del Apache, a non-profit organization.
The Expo store has representatives from camera, optical and eco-travel companies to discuss what they have to offer. The store also contains a place to have your coffee.
At the festival, learn from members of the Audubon Council, the Central New Mexico Audubon Society, the American Bird Watching Association, and the Friends of the Forest.
Addresses
From Albuquerque, take I-25 south to US 380 (nine miles south of Socorro)
Take US 380 east toward San Antonio
Turn right / south onto Highway 1
Continue to follow NM 1 south approximately nine miles
Follow the signs south to the Visitor Center refuge
The entrance to the vehicle circuit is south of the Visitor Center.
Festival Essentials
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 – Sunday, November 19, 2017
Automatic loop tours open from one hour before to one after sunset. The Visitor Center is open from 7:30 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday and from 8 am to 4:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $ 5 per auto loop tour per vehicle.
A nearby place to visit on the way to or from the refuge is the Sevilleta Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is located just north and west of the road on the way to Socorro. Visit the Very Large Array (VLA), a variety of radio telescopes, which can be found west of Socorro on the San Agustin plains.
