Birders and wildlife enthusiasts are flocking to Bosque del Apache NWR near Socorro, New Mexico for a glimpse of a rare, almost all white sandhill crane. The unique coloration of this crane is likely a result of leucism, a condition where the pigmentation cells in an animal or bird fail to develop properly. Different from albino because it doesn't lack all pigment, it has a few dusky grey feathers and normal-looking red forehead and eyes. In addition to sandhill cranes, the refuge is seeing a spectacular influx of other migratory birds including a variety of ducks, hawks, bald eagles, songbirds, and snow geese. Along with the colorful bounty of birds, the cottonwood trees are in full color and the weather is perfect! It’s a great time to visit this remarkable national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
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Rare, Nearly All White Sandhill Crane Seen at Bosque de Apache National Wildlife Refuge
