These giant beauties will be on their seasonal migratory route - a sight to behold if you've never done so!
Sandhill crane migration in Colorado is a spectacular natural event each year, especially in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado. It forms a key corridor for the Rocky Mountain population of greater sandhill cranes as they travel between wintering grounds in New Mexico and northern Mexico and their northern summer breeding areas.
When They Migrate
A Key Stopover Area is in the San Luis Valley
The Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding wetlands and grain fields are the heart of the migration spectacle. Here, thousands of cranes rest, feed in agricultural fields, and perform their amazing courtship dances before continuing their journey north.
What You’ll See
Viewing Events
The Monte Vista Crane Festival in early March celebrates the migration with field tours, talks, and viewing opportunities. It draws birders and wildlife lovers from across the region. This year's festival is March 6-8.
43rd Annual Monte Vista Crane Festival details.
Festival map and viewing locations
When They Migrate
- Spring migration: Cranes begin arriving in the San Luis Valley as early as mid-February, with peak numbers typically in late February through March.
- Fall migration: They return south again in late September through mid-November, stopping in the valley on the way back.
A Key Stopover Area is in the San Luis Valley
The Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding wetlands and grain fields are the heart of the migration spectacle. Here, thousands of cranes rest, feed in agricultural fields, and perform their amazing courtship dances before continuing their journey north.
What You’ll See
- Massive flocks of tall, gray birds with red foreheads, trumpeting loudly as they fly or forage.
- Courtship displays, with dancing, bowing, and vocalizations, both social and mating rituals.
- Thousands of birds staged in shallow wetlands at dawn and dusk before moving to nearby fields during the day.
Viewing Events
The Monte Vista Crane Festival in early March celebrates the migration with field tours, talks, and viewing opportunities. It draws birders and wildlife lovers from across the region. This year's festival is March 6-8.
43rd Annual Monte Vista Crane Festival details.
Festival map and viewing locations
Sandhill cranes mate for life but each spring they renew their bonds through courtship rituals that include dancing, bowing, chortling, and throwing tufts of grass in the air.