Cranes in Monte Vista NWR

[mvjo...@gmail.com]

The cranes are returning to the San Luis valley and there were a few hundred at the Monte Refuge yesterday. Right now, they are feeding in the grain fields to the south of the 8S Turnout. If you watch from that location, you will get some good in flight looks. There are a few on the Hwy 15 turnouts too, a ways out.

Be aware that many of the Monte Vista refuge wetlands are bone dry. So the drive loop is mostly uneventful. However, do check out Home Lake, which has been a hotspot all fall.

Be sure to look in the trees and shrubs at the 8S turnout.  Yesterday there were 4 species of Warblers plus a thrush sp, and many kinds of sparrows.

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO