Daily Postcard: An argument breaks out between two Cranes over a small patch of grain in December at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge near Socorro. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge near Socorro, NM is an important wintering ground for vast flocks of Sandhill Cranes. Standing 4-feet-tall with wingspans of 7-and-a-half feet, these birds are the stars of the Refuge’s annual Festival of the Cranes celebration. The birds spend summers as far away as Alaska, northwest Canada, and the Pacific Northwest. Their migration through New Mexico follows the Rio Grande corridor. Overlook Park in White Rock is a good place to observe the migration in October, November, February and March.

This photo shows an argument between two Cranes over a small patch of grain. The conflict was resolved in a moment, with both contestants going back to normal foraging as if nothing had happened. Such displays are common between rival Cranes, even when food is plentiful.

Los Alamos wildlife photographer Jonathan Dowell, Ph.D. took this photo during Festival of the Cranes in December. See more of his photos on Instagram @SnowyEgretPhotography, and learn about the Refuge and the Festival at https://FriendsOfBosqueDelApache.org.