Cranes Are Hanging Around

[John Rawinski]

Just a crane update for the San Luis Valley. Last night I watched about 1500 birds feeding on a field off the 8S road. They are widespread throughout the Valley and in sizable flocks as well. The duck hunters have not been a factor and the birds seem to be hanging because it has been warm and with no snow to speak of. Our usual Halloween snowstorm did not materialize, so birds are plentiful. 

If you visit, drive the 8S and also the Stanley Road. 

A friend of mine found a fence-killed Barn Owl, off the Stanley Road. Barn Owls are pretty scarce in this cold Valley. 

John Rawinski

Monte Vista CO