Photo of Sandhill Cranes at Sunset, Bosque del Apache

By December 12, 2008December 24th, 2023Birds, Bosque del Apache, New Mexico

On our recent trip to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Skip, Ken and I were treated to several fantastic sunsets as we watched the sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) flying in from nearby corn fields to roost for the night in shallow ponds, where they are protected from coyotes. These three sandhill cranes are silhouetted against deep gold light about 15 minutes after the sun went down behind the mountains.

Sandhilll cranes in golden sunset light, silhouette, standing in pond, Grus canadensis, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico

Sandhilll cranes in golden sunset light, silhouette, standing in pond.
Image ID: 21798
Species: Sandhill crane, Grus canadensis
Location: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Socorro, New Mexico, USA

See more photos of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and photos of Sand Hillcranes.

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!