Their ancient trumpet call fills the sky here at this time of year—a creak, like stubborn machinery trying to turn smoothly. It’s the bittersweet sound of Sandhill Cranes migrating south, and their graceful beauty is being feted at the Return of the Cranes Celebration weekend. The celebration happens Saturday, Nov. 15, from 8am to 4pm and Sunday, Nov. 16, from 9am to 4pm at the Open Space Visitor Center (6500 Coors NW). Arguably, it’s enough just to take in their peaceful presence as they stand on stately long legs—adult cranes can reach four feet tall. But the celebration offers an engaging menu of programs to help honor both the silvery cranes and the fall migratory season. Sign up for Tai Chi or yoga with the cranes, fold an origami crane, take in a lecture or watch a spectacular late afternoon fly-out. The slate is filled with fun facts, such as cranes possibly being the world’s most ancient bird at about 10 million years old. Take the family and learn more about why these birds are so cherished; you’re sure to see several other species of wintering birds too. For more information or to register, see cabq.gov/openspace or call 897-8831. (Kathy Freise)

City on the Edge is a breezy, smart podcast looking at the stories from Albuquerque history that have often been overlooked. Each episode takes a deep dive into a topic like the 1955 crash of TWA flight 260, Sandia Man or the 1918 quarantine. Worthwhile listening that will spur your curiosity about things you didn’t even know about in the city where you live. It’s free and available wherever you get your podcasts. (Clarke Condé)

In the words of Dean Martin, “Baby, it's cold outside.” So lend a helping hand to the homeless folks in Burque by contributing to Astro-Zombies' 8th Annual Holiday Sleeping Bag Drive. Now through Saturday, Dec. 24, drop off new, adult-sized cold weather sleeping bags at the comic store to help local homeless people weather the winter cold. The bags will be distributed throughout the community on Christmas Eve. And for each bag you donate, you'll also be entered in a raffle to win awesome prizes from the likes of Masks Y Mas, Rude Boy Cookies, Archetype Dermigraphic Studio and more. After all, when told, “Baby, you'd freeze out there,” even Dean's lady asked him to lend her a coat. (Renée Chavez)