Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge: Leucistic Canada Goose, Sandhills, Greater White-fronted Geese, Ross's and Snow Geese

[Polly Neldner]

Please excuse the late report, spent last evening going over all the photos we took yesterday! With the temperature only 17 degrees yesterday we decided to venture forth to Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge in hopes of warmer temps and milder climate. We were not disappointed! It was truly a beautiful day in the San Luis Valley.

Would not begin to estimate the number of Sandhills Cranes...they numbered in several thousands. We had heard a report of a leucistic Sandhill, but we did not see one. We did, however, find a very dark youngster, much darker than any of the others in the area.

Amongst the thousands and thousands of Canada Geese, there was one that had the head and neck of a normal Canada with an all white body and wings and a dark tail.

There would numerous Snow Geese and one lone Ross's Goose. There were lots of Mallards and a couple of Northern Pintails. Perhaps the biggest surprise were the 6 Greater White-fronted Geese mixed in!

Numerous Rough-legged Hawks, a pair of Red-tailed Hawks, one Bald Eagle and a gorgeous Prairie Falcon were it for the raptors.

Forgive me for straying from the birds, but the best sighting of the day was a Porcupine resting in a tree. Have never had the pleasure of observing one so close, ALIVE, and for so long!  It was a great topper to a terrific day!

Polly Wren Neldner

La Veta, CO