A bit of Monte Vista Sandhill Crane detail for those going to look

[David Suddjian]

I was at Monte Vista NWR this morning, and wish to report these details that might help you if you go soon to see the cranes. As John Rawinski posted before, it is worth being there "at first light" to see the spectacle of many, many flocks flying and 1000s landing near one of the viewing areas. Today the first flight activity was 15 min. before sunrise. The birds began to gather right away beside the Road 8S viewing area, and hardly any birds were near the viewing areas along Hwy 15. Sunlight first hit the cranes in the field 4 min. after sunrise. About 26 minutes after sunrise someone's car alarm horn went off and most of the birds in the giant flock at the 8S viewing area departed in response. So I was glad I was there earlier to have over half an hour of watching before they were disturbed. I roughly estimated about 9000 cranes, but it is hard to say how many were there and flying elsewhere. 

David Suddjian

Littleton, CO

[Paul Malinowski]

I just left this afternoon after spending three days there. When I got there a refuge employee told me they just cut the field that is on Rd 3E just off Road 7S on Tuesday morning so when I checked it out Tuesday evening there were thousands there (best time about 4:00 to 6:00 but that is standard time so adjust next week). They returned to the same spot Wednesday evening, too, although not as many because maybe half went to the spot David mentioned. Mornings were relatively sparse in the waters at the Wildlife Drive both Wednesday and Thursday mornings but large numbers got to the viewing area on 8S shortly after first light.

By the way, I stopped at Smith Reservoir outside Alamosa on the way and there were a flock of 25 Snow Geese in the water. I also found two Great Horned Owl nests in the Valley but obviously will refrain from any more details. 

My annual trip here never gets old.

Paul Malinowski

Littelton, CO

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[Charlie Paterson]

Was  there Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.  Plenty of action from the Highway 8 South parking lot around sunset and after sunrise if you’re not a super early riser!  The pond on the south of the loop is goose city with a few other ducks mixed in.

However, sorry to report that the north part of the loop is almost totally dry and burned—disappointing.

Charlie Paterson

Colorado Sprongs

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