Sandhill cranes, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico, USA

© Terry St.Louis/Getty Image

Time to fly high. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico

Winter brings a familiar rhythm to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. The cranes arrive, wetlands fill with birds, and this area becomes a hub for seasonal wildlife. Established in 1939, the 57,331-acre sanctuary was created to provide a protected stopover for migrating waterfowl. Its wetlands, fields, and waterways now support wildlife throughout the year. Sandhill cranes, seen in today's image, are especially associated with the refuge during winter.

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