Cranes Exponentially Increase

[John Rawinski]

Lisa and I birded the Monte Vista Refuge sunday evening and saw an estimated 5,000 cranes. The 50 degree temps really had the snow vanishing and birds were literally sprouting in the fields, or so it seems. There are another 5,000 birds consisting of Canada and Cackling Geese, Mallards, Pintails, and the first Cinnamon Teal of the season.

 

Main roads are in good shape but side roads and some county roads can be muddy and slick.

 

One of the big questions for this migration season is whether the leucistic Crane will return this year. We'll be watching....

 

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO