Located near Centura Health in Avon right off of I-70. An innovative natural science learning campus for residents and visitors of the Eagle Valley. Free and open to the public.

318 Walking Mountains Lane, Avon, CO 81620

Located at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola on Vail Mountain out of Lionshead Village, Vail. All visitors must have a pass to ride the gondola. Free and open to the public with valid gondola pass.
Nestled along Gore Creek near the Betty Ford Alpine Garden and Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail Village.
601 Vail Valley Drive, Vail, CO 81657

Walking Mountains Blog

Sandhill Cranes Photo Review

Posted by Walking Mountains on Mar 31, 2011 9:43:50 AM
Walking Mountains

Sandhill Cranes Migration, Alamosa CO

In a recent trip to the Medano Zapata Ranch near the entrance to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Walking Mountains bird enthusiasts got to witness a special Colorado moment - a visit from the Sandhill Cranes.  The Monte Vista Wildlife preserve is a stopping point on the yearly migratory path of these greater and lesser cranes who make their permanent home New Mexico.  Each spring and fall they listen to their instincts and take to the air, final destination - Idaho and in some cases southwestern Canada.  Toward the end of February and through the month of March, Coloradans can make the trek to the Alamosa region to witness this spectacular event.

If you've never been to this region, plan a trip - not only are the cranes incredible but the sand dunes are not to be missed.  Bordered by the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, the dunes rise 750 feet above the valley floor to create a surreal and special landscape.  Wildlife abounds in this region - you can expect to see many, many species of birds, bison, coyote, deer, elk, snakes and more.

Enjoy Some Photos of Sandhill Cranes in Colorado Below 

 SandHill Cranes Colorado cranes1

SandHill Cranes Colorado bigandlittle2SandHill Cranes San Louis Valley Sand Dunes Sunset thecranes2

SandHill Cranes in Flight Colorado craneinflight1

 

Topics: Sandhill Cranes

Walking Mountains

Written by Walking Mountains

Our mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education.