Over the Thanksgiving weekend, a friend told us that they had been to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (about two hours north of Las Cruces) and the Sandhill Cranes were back for the season. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is made of wetlands on the Rio Grande River and is primarily a migratory site. Last year we heard the Sandhill migration was beautiful, but we missed it. So we had been waiting for their return. On Monday 12-2 we took a day trip to go see them and whatever else might be there. We had seen Sandhill Cranes before, in Texas, but never so many. They were great, and we shot hundreds of pictures. Then we came upon thousands of Snow Geese as well as other birds. It was an amazing visit.

It had snowed 5 inches on Thanksgiving day, but most of it had melted away by the time we got there.

Rio Grande wetlands, forest, desert mountains, and snow capped peaks.

Cat-tails along the wetlands.

Dennis next to one of the planted fields. They plant some grains to feed the migrants. 

Red-Tailed Hawk patrolling for rodents

Sandhill Cranes

Dancing Crane

Courtship in flight

Masses in flight

And then we came upon thousands of Snow Geese flying in the distance. 

If you would like to see it, we have posted a 4 minute video of the Snow Geese coming in for a roost on YouTube. 

https://youtu.be/d3fT073ma08

This is a roost of Red-Winged Blackbirds, Sandhill Cranes, and Snow Geese. It seemed they were countless birds - always moving and always talking to each other. 

Another canal in the wetlands

And finally, driving home along New Mexico Highway 1.