Muleshoe Refugewinter wildlife

Sandhill cranes: they typically start arriving in September, with peak numbers between December and February, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: between December and February. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.

Not now: its usual winter wildlife window for this year has passed. Next time: between December and February, local timing.

They typically start arriving in September, and numbers peak between December and February. About 15 percent of the lesser sandhill crane population depends on the refuge between fall and spring.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)

On the refuge's lakes: Paul's Lake, White Lake and Goose Lake are winter roosts.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Yes: the refuge offers a quiet place to camp, with restrooms in the campground.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)

President Roosevelt signed the order establishing it in 1935, as a sanctuary for migratory birds.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Paul's Lake Overlook: observation platform at Paul's Lake, one of the lakes cranes use as winter roosts; restrooms at the overlook; White Lake: a salt lake that's an important winter roost for lesser sandhill cranes.

Sandhill cranes: peak numbers (arriving from September) (Dec–Feb), Orioles, flycatchers and sparrows; quail; snakes and horned lizards (Mar–Aug) and Deer and coyotes (Jan–Dec).