Southern Coloradans have a regional opportunity every year that few in the world can claim.
With its bubbling waters, soaring dunes and dazzling peaks, the mystique of the San Luis Valley becomes complete when its winged migrants arrive. Sandhill cranes flock en masse to the valley, followed by admiring birders from near and far.
The birders mark their calendars for the three-day Monte Vista Crane Festival, which starts Friday.
“I just see a lot of awestruck people all the time. They’re amazed at how many birds they’re looking at,” says Suzanne Beauchaine, manager of the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, the favorite home for about 20,000 cranes between their winter stay on the southern plains and nesting grounds across Yellowstone National Park.
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