It’s a Bird! It’s a Crane!

One of Colorado’s great wildlife migrations occurs every March in the San Luis Valley in the south-central part of the state. As they have for thousands, perhaps millions, of years, approximately 25,000 Greater Sandhill Cranes stop in the high-plains valley, traveling from New Mexico, stopping to rest up and eat before they make the final flight of the season to Yellowstone and to Canada. Cranes are among the oldest living species on the planet, with fossil records dating back nine million years. The majestic Greater Sandhill Cranes stand 4 feet tall, with wingspans of up to 7 feet across, and weigh in at 11 pounds. At this time of year, they engage in mating rituals, and perform elaborate dancing, strutting and hopping steps with one another – all the while issuing distinctive, haunting calls. Sandhill Cranes live 20 years or more, and mate for life. Hundreds of people gather every year to welcome the cranes back to the valley. If you missed the festival this year, you can check out the diorama dedicated to the Greater Sandhill Cranes at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in City Park. And, if you’re lucky, you might spot a couple, as they fly north this month to their summer homes, from your backyard in Park Hill.  Photos by Park Hill resident Mark Silverstein