Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese overwinter in New Mexico, as well as some other southern states. Two locations are known for viewing & photographing the birds: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and Bernardo Waterfowl Management Area. It's been my experience that November through early December, both species are concentrated more at Bosque del Apache and by mid-December, most of the birds are at Bernardo. Many other species of birds & mammals can be found at both locations.
There was a lot of tension in the crane flocks this year. I'm not sure why. It seemed to be worse when the snow geese mixed in with the cranes. The two species usually segregate. Aggressive behavior is displayed by bill sparring, jump contests, or jump raking ( 2 birds facing off and jumping at each other with feet extended, intending to scratch the opponent).
Photos in this first gallery were all taken at Bernardo Waterfowl Management Area.
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© Thane Rogers Photography