Woodbridge Isenberg Crane Reserve

Such a great trip! There’s not much left in the world that you can do for free but this is one. Make sure to pre register on their website if you want access to «north» viewing that’s where you get to see the fly in. All you need to bring are binoculars and maybe a camera. It’s still quite the sight with the naked eye to see so many birds flying in at once and to learn so much about them. The best time to go is Oct-​Feb in the evening 4−6pm. South view is open to the public without a guide though.

First exposure to Birdwatching! You don’t have to be a professional birdwatcher to appreciate this hidden gem. I found this looking for things-​to-​do close to home. I registered for a guided tour which was a great idea. The guides were the nicest ladies who know a lot and care enough to make this an experience to remember! If you register for the guided tour, you get to experience the takeoffs and landings. (Things to take: water bottle + layers (it does get cold) + binoculars + camera).

Although, no place can top Bosque Del Apache

Sandhill Cranes do return here every year. I usually go in the evening to watch them return. I suspect that a stop at daybreak might be a better time to view the birds. Their takeoffs are more interesting than their landings.
If you go also look in the ditch that runs beside the road there is a lot of interesting birds eating and fighting. There is really no place to park on the road, I just stop even if it is on the wrong side so I can photograph them. On the weekends the road doesn’t have much traffic; on weekdays it is a farm road and there is more traffic.
I wanted to take a tour but they are all booked through January. I thought I would just join in the auto caravan but worried that the Department of Fish and Game would figure out there was one too many cars.