MONTE VISTA — A sure indicator that spring is near, migration is underway for hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes in North America. A portion of those, known as the Rocky Mountain Population, have left their wintering grounds at or near Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico, and descended upon Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge in south-central Colorado’s San Luis Valley.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MONTE VISTA NWR

Approximately 22,000 greater sandhill cranes make the stopover each year before continuing their northward journey to their summer breeding grounds in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Slightly shorter in stature, up to 5,000 Canadian and lesser sandhill cranes may also be seen before heading to Canada and the Arctic.

Artesian wells, pumped wells, and irrigated canals at Monte Vista NWR provide wetland habitat for the cranes and other wildlife. Waste barley, wheat, and alfalfa left on the ground surrounding the refuge after harvest time (which is what the cranes primarily eat during fall migration) is in short supply now. So, grain fields that have been set aside are mowed within the 14,804-acre refuge preceding their arrival to supply a food source.

You can expect to see the first flocks of sandhill cranes as early as the second week of February. The bulk of them arrive the first half of March. By April 1, just a few stragglers remain.

The bright red patch on the forehead of the sandhill crane is unmistakable.

PHOTO BY DAVE GIBSON

The cranes spend their nights roosting in the shallow waters of the refuge as a defense against predators. After daybreak they fly to nearby feeding grounds. Waves of sandhill cranes silhouetted against the crimson sunrise is a breathtaking sight.

Feeding until around 10 a.m., they then frequent what are called “loafing areas” where they relax and socialize. It is there that the cranes form new bonds or re-establish their life-long pair bonds. Intricate courtship displays that involve jumping, flapping of wings, twirling, and bowing their heads are often observed.

A couple of hours before sunset, the cranes begin returning to roost. With the San Juan Mountains as a snowy backdrop, vast flocks of sandhills fill the sky once again. The euphonic chorus of their ancient calls is not only beautiful, but reassuring and soothing.

The Monte Vista Crane Festival takes place from March 6 through 8. A craft & nature fair, bus tours, ornithology talks, photography workshops, and guided bird walks will be some of the offerings available to visitors. For more information about Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, go to fws.gov/refuge/monte-vista.