Thousands of sandhill cranes are arriving at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico this month to winter in this safe and stunning area. These gorgeous birds can stand four feet tall and have a wingspan greater than six feet. Fascinating to watch, their social behavior includes at least 10 different types of calls, various threatening postures and elaborate dances for everything from joy to courtship. Yesterday marked the start of the world-renowned Festival of the Cranes, an annual event hosted by the refuge. Photo by Michael Tafoya. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 11/18/15.
Sage Grouse. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 9/10/15.
How many bald eagles can you fit in a single tree? Apparently, at least 55! Chuck Hilliard took this pic back in 2012 along the Nooksack River near Deming, Washington. The eagles gather here for the early winter to feed on spawning chum salmon. Chuck’s explanation of why there were so many eagles the tree: The eagle parents appeared to be supervising their young as they fed on the salmon. “If an adult from outside this area flew in and harassed the young, the parental adults would fly down and run it off. It was pretty cool watching and listening,” he said. Photo courtesy of Chuck Hilliard. Posted on Tumblr by the US Department of the Interior, 11/15/15.
Sunrise takeoff at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Kim Hang Dessoliers. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 11/18/15.
Puffins. Tweeted by the US Department of the Interior, 11/19/15.