37th Annual Festival of the Cranes
December 2–5, 2026 | Socorro, New MexicoPhoto by Paul Brewer
more than a birding festival
For more than 35 years, the Festival of the Cranes has brought together birders, photographers, artists, conservationists, and nature lovers from around the world for four days of learning, exploration, and celebration in New Mexico’s Middle Rio Grande Valley.
85 + Events
Birding tours, photography workshops, hikes, presentations, and more.
Photo by Jon Orris
World-Class Speakers
Featuring Dr. Rich Beilfuss, Michael Forsberg, and other leading voices in conservation.
Photo by Susanne Pence
Bosque del Apache
Explore one of North America’s most celebrated wildlife refuges.
Photo by Cindy Fleenor
Camera & Optics Expo
Try the latest birding and photography equipment from top brands.
Photo by Liz Roach
The Festival of the Cranes is co-hosted by Friends of Bosque del Apache and Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.
Photo by Jackie Robinson
witness the return of the cranes
Every winter, thousands of sandhill cranes, snow geese, ducks, and other migratory birds converge on Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, transforming the refuge into one of the most spectacular wildlife destinations in North America.
The Festival of the Cranes invites you to experience this incredible migration through birding tours, photography workshops, expert presentations, guided hikes, and special events celebrating the birds, landscapes, and communities that make the Middle Rio Grande Valley so unique.
Whether you’re an experienced birder, an avid photographer, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, you’ll find unforgettable moments waiting around every corner.
Join us December 2–5, 2026, and experience the magic of the cranes for yourself.
featured events
Opening Night Celebration
Wednesday, December 2nd Sponsored by Hunt’s Photo and Video
The festivities kick off at the Socorro Convention Center with prizes, a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, and an opening keynote “Saving cranes and so much more” by Dr. Rich Beilfuss, President & CEO of the International Crane Foundation.
Annual Dinner & Keynote
Thursday, December 3rd
Settle in for an evening of camaraderie and education featuring the keynote address “Into Whooperland” by Michael Forsberg, conservation photographer, author, and educator.
Workshops, Tours & Field Experiences
Discover the birds, landscapes, and stories that make Bosque del Apache a world-renowned destination for wildlife enthusiasts. With more than 85 workshops, tours, hikes, presentations, and photography experiences to choose from, the Festival offers countless ways to learn, explore, and connect with nature.
Photo by Rinus Baak
featured speakers
Dr. Richard Beilfuss
President & CEO, International Crane FoundationDr. Richard Beilfuss is President and CEO of the International Crane Foundation, where he leads international crane and wetland conservation efforts across Asia, Africa, and North America. A wetland ecologist with more than 30 years of experience, he has worked in over 30 countries and previously led conservation programs in Africa and Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park. He holds advanced degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is a licensed professional hydrologist.
Michael Forsberg
Conservation photographer, author, and educatorMichael Forsberg is a conservation photographer, author, and educator whose 30-year career has focused on the wildlife, grasslands, and watersheds of North America’s Great Plains. He co-founded and directs the Platte Basin Timelapse, a multimedia initiative that combines photography, science, and storytelling to document a watershed in motion. Forsberg is a Senior Fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers, serves on the faculty of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and is the recipient of the Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography.
festival experience
Witness spectacular wildlife, explore one of North America’s premier birding destinations, and share unforgettable moments with fellow nature enthusiasts. From cranes filling the sky at dawn to hands-on workshops and guided adventures, every day of the Festival offers something new to discover.
Photo by Paul Tashjian
Photo by George Budd
Photo by Charles Michael Salazar
Photo by Cindy Fleenor
Plan Your Visit
Visitor Information
Lodging, dining, transportation, accessibility information, and what to bring.
Area Attractions
Discover additional birding hotspots, cultural sites, and things to do throughout Socorro County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about registration, schedules, workshops, accessibility, and more.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Our generous sponsors play a crucial role in making this year’s event a success. Sponsorship contributions help us to cover essential costs and provide a memorable experience for attendees, all while supporting the vital work of conserving our wetlands.
Premiere
Friends of the Bosque del Apache Board
The Friends are a model organization within the wildlife conservation community. We raise sufficient funds and support for Bosque del Apache to be able to maintain the level of conservation and leadership required to ensure that the wetlands and wildlife that they support are sustained.
City of Socorro
Socorro is home to a wide array of art, music, theater, golfing, biking, hiking, rock hounding and rock climbing opportunities, as well as, a rodeo and sports complex, wildlife refuges, radio telescopes, a mineral museum, university, historical mission church and an incredible performing arts series. The Friends of Bosque del Apache thanks the City of Socorro for their generous support through the Lodger’s Tax Fund.
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