Sandhill Crane Festival, Monte Vista, Co.

White-capped mountains border the valley’s golden fields as the sunrise glints off of the surrounding mirrored ponds, but it’s the cacophony of cackles from the thousands of Sandhill Cranes that draws the crowds this time of year to Monte Vista, Colorado for the Sandhill Crane Festival.

I remember as a boy my Iowan mother romanticizing the beauty of the Sandhill Cranes as they made their way through nearby Nebraska on their migration, a sight she always wanted  to see, but alas never got to before she died.  So this visit was particularly personal for me, completing the errand in honor of Ruth, my mother. Once I learned their migration route also took them through Colorado, our trip to Monte Vista was cemented.

Sleepy little Monte Vista awakens twice a year to welcome the cranes as they make their migration north in the spring and south in the fall.  A massive reserve, dotted with ponds, marshes, and open fields freshly mowed are set aside for the cranes which number in the tens of thousands as they swoop in to grab a bite to eat and take a rest.

Their crimson heads and massive six feet wingspan set them apart from other cranes as do their unique calls. Early morning and late evening are best for viewing as they are most active then for feeding before they roost during the bulk of the day and night in more remote locations.

The Sandhill Crane Festival itself offers guided bus tours although it is quite easy to find the viewing locations without joining the throngs on the buses.   Monte Vista also has a nice crafts fair, joined by local artisans, wildlife and forest workers of all types, and live raptors and owls that provide an up close and personal view of the birds. Pictured below are a Screech Owl, several Burrowing Owls, a Barred Owl, a Kestrel and three Red Tailed Hawks.

Your test question for today is what is a group of Sandhill Cranes called?  It’s a “sedge”, but I just call it beautiful.

Enjoy the pictures and as usual, leave your comments and feedback below.