Been out and about the last two days and noted that there are about 8,000 to 10,000 cranes in the area of the Monte Vista NWR. The first Cinamon Teal have shown up as well (Rio Grande County).
For those of you coming down for the crane festival this coming weekend, there will be plenty of birds to see and photograph. If any of you want to see some other species as well, consider doing the San Luis Hill loop, east of Antonito (Conejos County) (and described in my birders guidebook). Today when I was down that way, I smashed the early arrival dates for three species. Canyon Wren was singing in the Rio Grande gorge below Lobatos Bridge (5 days earlier than previous early date), and a Says Phoebe (6 days earlier) in that same area. I also saw 4 Sage Sparrows and these were 4 days ahead of previous early arrivals. I don't think these early arrivals are due to mild winter, or climate change...just due to observer being out there at this time. Probably just arriving as they always do. The San Luis Hills area is generally snow-free but still recommend a SUV with 4 wheel drive for the few snowy/muddy spots along the way. Have fun and be safe out there... John Rawinski Monte Vista, CO -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
