Alamosa

Antonito / La Jara

Creede

Crestone

Del Norte

Ft. Garland / San Luis

Monte Vista

Saguache / Center

South Fork

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The San Luis Valley had an abundance of birds for the spotting! Below are just a few of the species you can expect to see. If you're a bird enthusiast, check out the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge or Alamosa Wildlife Refuge too. Happy bird watching!

Great Horned Owl	Magnificent Hummingbird	Rosebreasted Grosbeak
Red Tailed Hawk	Western Meadowlark	Bald Eagle
Mountain Chickadee	Female Rufous Hummingbird	Male Rufous Hummingbird
Red Winged Blackbird	Blue Jay	Sandhill Crane

ANNUAL CRANE FESTIVAL Late in February, sandhill cranes begin their annual trek from south to north, stopping off near the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge. Crane watchers come from across the country to see the sandhill cranes.

Wildlife experts, local naturalists and biologists present educational workshops while flocks of dancing sandhills assemble in the neighboring farm fields, just east of town. Bus tours to the nearby refuge and adjacent farmlands let visitors view this spectacle. Special tours feature raptor identification, sunset trips to view cranes and visits to closed areas of the refuge for Crane Fest participants.

The March festival also features are craft fair, dinner, entertainment, and pancake breakfast.

For more information on the Annual Crane Festival and for event details, visit: www.cranefest.com