Monte Vista Refuge Changes Overnight

[mvjo...@gmail.com]

After observing birds in the San Luis valley for 35 years (gasp!), and keeping records, I can say with certainty that April 1st is no foolish date for birds! Overnight it seems there is a new, and expected arrival of birdy characters that brighten the wetlands and meadows. Tonite, wife Lisa and I birded the Monte Vista Refuge. A huge contingent of Yellow-headed Blackbirds were here today and not just a few days ago. Cinnamon Teal were much more abundant and the first Blue-winged Teal was seen. In many past Aprils, Great Egrets seem to wander this way and tonite we are fairly certain we scoped one in the bulrushes. About 4-5,000 cranes still remain, and that hasn't changed much from last week. Two Loggerhead Shrikes tonite had not been seen last week. So things are changing...enjoy each and every day....

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO

[mvjo...@gmail.com]

Forgot to mention that about 40 Avocets were there as well as 4 Black-necked Stilts.