Although Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge continues to have very few birds this year, there is good news for photographers.

Ladd Gordon Waterfowl Complex just up the road is hosting large numbers of sandhill cranes and many snow geese. Management added a pond in 2023 near the entrance of the complex which makes it easy to photograph the birds in and around water. The resident deer and hawks stay near by, too.

The complex is off I-25 at exit 175 (between Socorro and Belen).