It appears that crane numbers are peaking this week. I estimate between 12-15,000 cranes Valleywide. A trip today produced 25 Ross' Geese, a few Snow Geese, Cackling and Canada Geese, Bufflehead, Mallard, Pintail, and a few Ruddy Ducks. Also in the area is a Ferruginous Hawk. Still many Bald Eagles to be seen. Some oddities to look for include a Canada Goose that is mostly white. Also, the leucistic Sandhill Crane of last year is back as well as another one that has very white wing coverts on each side. Best viewing is still around the Monte Vista Refuge turnouts, and viewing areas. There are three species of Rosy-finch being seen at Susan Hochstetters place. She does not mind birders looking at her feeders. From the Monte Refuge, continue south on Hwy 15 until the pavement ends. Then drive about 1 mile south and look for a small gray house with feeders on the east side of the road. Susan said mornings are still best to see them. Hope to see you here....
John Rawinski
Monte Vista, CO
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