2000 Cranes at MV Refuge

[John Rawinski]

This past week saw favorable migration conditions and Sandhill Cranes and their throaty croaks and whistles were once again heard around the San Luis Valley. There are about 2,000 cranes at the Monte Vista Refuge (Rio Grande County). The water has been turned on so you can see birds off Hwy 15 at the east turnoffs.  I saw my first flock of 50 Cackling Geese arriving overhead today on my walk. There are about 2,000 Cranes at other locations and in various grainfields and wetlands as well. 

I should note that many of the State and Federal Wildlife areas are now closed for the nesting season. This includes Rio Grande SWA and Blanca Wetlands, managed by the BLM. Home Lake is still frozen. Crane Festival is 3 weeks away and hope to see you there.

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, Colorado