02-23-2007, 10:10 PM
Nature is once again putting on one of its greatest displays in the San Luis Valley - the annual migration of the greater Sandhill Cranes. To honor this wildlife wonder, area organizations and wildlife agencies are holding the 24rd Annual Monte Vista Crane Festival, March 9-11.
The cranes start arriving in the San Luis Valley in mid-February as they travel north from their winter homes in Mexico, New Mexico and Arizona to their summer nesting and breeding grounds in Idaho, Montana and Canada. The number of cranes in the valley peaks in mid-March and many linger through the month.
About 25,000 cranes land in the valley to eat and rest before continuing north. For the cranes, the San Luis Valley provides wetland areas and a ready source of food on huge grain fields.
The birds are abundant in areas near the town of Monte Vista and are easy to spot. Wildlife watchers can see the birds most readily at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, the Rio Grande State Wildlife Area, the Higel State Wildlife Area and the Russell Lakes State Wildlife Area.. The big birds - 4 feet tall with wingspans of 6 feet - can also be seen from numerous rural roads.
Many other bird species - including eagles, turkeys and a variety of waterfowl - can also be seen in the area.
Birdwatchers are cautioned to be careful when parking and getting out of vehicles. People are also asked to view birds from a distance with binoculars and spotting scopes and to observe trail signs and closure notices.
Those entering state wildlife areas also are reminded that they need to possess a Colorado Habitat Stamp. The stamps are sold wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold and on the DOW web site.
The crane festival is organized by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce.
A variety of guided tours and programs are offered during the weekend's event. The headquarters meeting place is at the Ski Hi Park building located near U.S. Highway 160 on County Road 4E on the east side of Monte Vista.
Approximate distances to Monte Vista: Denver, 220 miles; Colorado Springs, 182 miles; Salida, 85 miles; Vail, 175 miles; Durango, 135 miles; Grand Junction, 230 miles.
For more information, see: www.cranefest.com.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: Click on the web address below to access photos of sandhill cranes.
http://dnr.state.co.us/imagedb/images/3021.JPG<br />
CAPTION: Sandhill cranes fly over the San Luis Valley near Monte Vista in March 2006.<br />
PHOTO: Colorado Division of Wildlife
http://dnr.state.co.us/imagedb/images/2971.JPG<br />
Sandhill cranes feed in a farm field in the San Luis Valley near Monte Vista in March 2006.<br />
PHOTO: Colorado Division of Wildlife
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and its habitat, as well as providing wildlife related recreation. The Division is funded through hunting and fishing license fees, federal grants and Colorado Lottery proceeds through Great Outdoors Colorado.
The cranes start arriving in the San Luis Valley in mid-February as they travel north from their winter homes in Mexico, New Mexico and Arizona to their summer nesting and breeding grounds in Idaho, Montana and Canada. The number of cranes in the valley peaks in mid-March and many linger through the month.
About 25,000 cranes land in the valley to eat and rest before continuing north. For the cranes, the San Luis Valley provides wetland areas and a ready source of food on huge grain fields.
The birds are abundant in areas near the town of Monte Vista and are easy to spot. Wildlife watchers can see the birds most readily at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, the Rio Grande State Wildlife Area, the Higel State Wildlife Area and the Russell Lakes State Wildlife Area.. The big birds - 4 feet tall with wingspans of 6 feet - can also be seen from numerous rural roads.
Many other bird species - including eagles, turkeys and a variety of waterfowl - can also be seen in the area.
Birdwatchers are cautioned to be careful when parking and getting out of vehicles. People are also asked to view birds from a distance with binoculars and spotting scopes and to observe trail signs and closure notices.
Those entering state wildlife areas also are reminded that they need to possess a Colorado Habitat Stamp. The stamps are sold wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold and on the DOW web site.
The crane festival is organized by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce.
A variety of guided tours and programs are offered during the weekend's event. The headquarters meeting place is at the Ski Hi Park building located near U.S. Highway 160 on County Road 4E on the east side of Monte Vista.
Approximate distances to Monte Vista: Denver, 220 miles; Colorado Springs, 182 miles; Salida, 85 miles; Vail, 175 miles; Durango, 135 miles; Grand Junction, 230 miles.
For more information, see: www.cranefest.com.
#####<br />
NOTE TO EDITORS: Click on the web address below to access photos of sandhill cranes.
http://dnr.state.co.us/imagedb/images/3021.JPG<br />
CAPTION: Sandhill cranes fly over the San Luis Valley near Monte Vista in March 2006.<br />
PHOTO: Colorado Division of Wildlife
http://dnr.state.co.us/imagedb/images/2971.JPG<br />
Sandhill cranes feed in a farm field in the San Luis Valley near Monte Vista in March 2006.<br />
PHOTO: Colorado Division of Wildlife
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and its habitat, as well as providing wildlife related recreation. The Division is funded through hunting and fishing license fees, federal grants and Colorado Lottery proceeds through Great Outdoors Colorado.