36th Annual Festival Of The Cranes Returns To New Mexico’s Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Dec. 3-7

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on October 21, 2025
- 8:31 pm

FBAR News:

SOCORRO — Every winter, tens of thousands of Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese return to New Mexico’s Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, creating one of North America’s most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles.

The 36th Annual Festival of the Cranes, taking place Dec. 3-7, 2025, invites birders, photographers, and nature lovers from across the globe to witness this extraordinary migration and experience more than 100 birding and photography classes, tours, hikes, and community events.

This year’s Festival features new adventures and expanded programming for all experience levels, from sunrise birding tours to nighttime photo sessions under the full moon at the Very Large Array. Popular tours and hikes through Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, San Lorenzo Canyon, Water Canyon, and Bernardo Wildlife Management Area return, along with dozens of expert-led workshops in wildlife photography, conservation, and environmental education.

“Spending time in nature is always nourishing, and the Bosque is a gorgeous place to unwind and reconnect with the natural world,” said Deb Caldwell, Executive Director of Friends of Bosque del Apache. “The Festival is about more than cranes; it’s about community, conservation, and rediscovering wonder.”

2025 Festival Highlights

Opening Night Celebration (Wed, Dec 3): Keynote speaker Paul Tebbel presents “Why We Love Cranes,” plus prizes, vendors, free hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar.
Friends Annual Dinner (Thu, Dec 4): Keynote by Mark Seth Lender, producer for Living on Earth, “I Know Where the Wild Crane Goes.”
New! Bird Trivia Night (7-8:30 p.m., Fri, Dec 5) at Socorro’s historic Capitol Bar & Brewery.
Community Day (Sat, Dec 6): Family-friendly fun at the Socorro Convention Center with live raptors (1-3 p.m.) and local conservation partners (12-4 p.m.).
Socorro High School Art Contest: Student artwork on display all week at the Convention Center.
Camera & Optics Tent at Bosque del Apache and the Nature Fair at the Socorro Convention Center are both free and open to the public Dec 3-6, featuring hands-on gear demos, free camera and lens rentals, and nature-inspired gifts.
The first 400 Festival guests will each receive a welcome bag filled with local information, coupons, and other goodies.

With more than 50 events free or under $20, the Festival offers affordable access to the wonder of the Bosque.

Please visit www.FestivalOfTheCranes.org for registration updates.

About Friends of Bosque del Apache & the Refuge

Friends of Bosque del Apache is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge through educational programs, habitat restoration, visitor services, advocacy and public outreach. The Festival of the Cranes is their flagship annual event, drawing photographers, birders, nature enthusiasts, and conservation supporters from across the country.

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a critical stopover for migratory birds, offering a dramatic annual spectacle of flight and wildlife behavior. The Festival helps foster appreciation of this unique ecosystem and generates vital funding and awareness for ongoing refuge operations and habitat preservation.