Cranes Overhead in the San Luis Valley!

[mvjo...@gmail.com]

Yesterday, a few waves of Sandhill Cranes came soaring into the Valley, bringing with them their signature calls of springtime. What excitement and joy. At the Monte Vista Refuge, I viewed about 200 birds but that will rapidly increase in the next few days. The Refuge will turn on the water this week and this will draw many more cranes, geese and ducks. A few Cackling Geese were present. Also note, there will not be a Crane Festival this year, but nothing says you cannot come down and enjoy the birds on your own. Will keep you posted. Remember the best time to view maximum numbers is about the first to second week of March. See you out there. 

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO