Earth Protect Blog

 text by Helen H. Richardson The Denver Post

Spring is arriving in the San Luis Valley on the wings of the sandhill cranes and other migratory birds such as Canada geese and ducks as they migrate through southern Colorado.

The valley is rich with wildlife and open land, offering refuge to hundreds of bird species. Hundreds of thousands of acres have been protected in the area, including the Baca National Wildlife Refuge, Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge, Alamosa Wildlife Refuge and Medano-Zapata Ranch, where 100,000 acres have been preserved. The ranch offers places to view wildlife in pristine environments while riding on horses through the ranch or the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

The sandhill cranes are one of the world’s oldest living bird species, dating back 50 million years and ranging over multiple continents.

The migration is at its peak right now, with 23,000-27,000 cranes migrating biannually through the valley. Viewing will be good for the next three to four weeks.

During their migration, cranes primarily feed on small grains such as barley and wheat, but they also will supplement their diet with roots, seeds, and small vertebrates found in wetlands.

The cranes’ enormous wingspans help to lift them thousands of feet into the sky. At times they disappear into the clouds, leading many cultures to believe cranes carry souls from Earth to heaven.

Helen H. Richardson: 303-954-1321 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.