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25th Annual Monte Vista Crane Festival
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In the San Luis Valley, nature is now putting on one of its most majestic displays: the annual migration of greater sandhill cranes. To honor this wildlife wonder, area organizations and wildlife agencies are holding the 25th Annual Monte Vista Crane Festival, March 7-9.

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.

Birders who can't go to this weekend's festival still have plenty of time to see the spectacle.

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.

About 25,000 cranes land in the valley to eat and rest before continuing north. The San Luis Valley holds large wetland areas that the cranes prefer. Large farm fields where grains are grown also provide the cranes a ready source of food.

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 in the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, the Rio Grande State Wildlife Area and the Higel State Wildlife Area. The big birds that stand 4 feet tall and have a 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 are also reminded that they need to possess the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Stamp.

A variety of free guided tours and programs are offered during this 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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