Crane Serenity

Story

Day’s end at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico is a magical time of day. The cranes have returned from the refuge fields where they spent the day feeding. Crane’s Serenity celebrates that time.

The sun, too, is nearing the end of its day and is heading rapidly toward the horizon, intent on leaving the day to rest up for the evening.

The long, golden rays of the sun begin to dance among the many colors reflecting off the ponds; a slight breeze provides just the right amount of ripple to keep the water’s surface moving. All in all it is an incredibly peaceful, not to mention, tranquil afternoon.

These Sandhill Cranes are certainly enjoying the tranquility as well. Standing there in the shallow pond you can see them absorbing the last of the warmth from the sun; they barely moved at all, and just seemed to be enjoying the peace that the afternoon provided.

Before long the sun continued on its way and darkness fell. Still, it was a glorious end to a perfect day!

More from the Bosque del Apache

You can see more awe-inspiring moments from the Bosque del Apache in Crane Serenity, Crane Calling, Bosque Surreal and Shadow Geese.