According to a study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bosque del Apache had 106,617 visitors in 2004 and generated more than $20 million in economic activity for Socorro, Bernalillo and Sierra counties.

Harper said his goal is to host an annual festival that reflects positively on the Friends of the Bosque and the refuge's educational mission — not profits. Excess funds support community organizations and go toward improving next year's event.

"We really try to make it inexpensive. The goal is not to increase prices to raise funds," Harper said, noting that most events cost $5 and refuge admission is $3.

The refuge's priority isn't so much to attract visitors but to protect the creatures that call Bosque del Apache home.

Melanson said serving the needs of wildlife enthusiasts and wildlife requires a delicate balancing act.

"Our management mantra is wildlife first, bird watching, hunting and photography second," he said. "We'll hear from people who tell us they need to go into restricted areas, but if we open that area up, then the birds won't be in there. We don't want to defeat the purpose of the refuge by allowing too much access and running the birds away."

The refuge also draws a unique handful of visitors known as "crane groupies," those who follow cranes across the country during their migratory flight.

Artist Caryl McHarney of Albuquerque is a one of them. McHarney, who showed her crane-inspired work during this year's festival, also is the artist in residence at a bird sanctuary in Nebraska.

"I look forward to the crane festival here to renew my acquaintance with people who are equally excited about cranes," she said. "I am moved by (the cranes). They inspire me. They are such splendid creatures."

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On the Net:

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/newmex/bosque/

Friends of the Bosque: www.friendsofthebosque.org/