See Sandhill Cranes at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

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Sandhill cranes are an iconic species of the San Luis Valley - majestic, large, and wild. One of 250 bird species found in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, they are a delightful part of the area’s natural diversity. Cranes mate for life, but each spring renew their vows through dancing, singing, and dining together. Even though this high-elevation valley doesn’t green up until May, sandhill cranes bring the excitement of springtime to winter-weary people!Over 20,000 cranes spend part of their spring and fall each year in this valley. After wintering in the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, they typically begin to arrive in the San Luis Valley in early February, while winter temperatures still drop below zero degrees F at night. While here, they build up energy by feasting on barley grains in agricultural fields and aquatic invertebrates in wetlands. Cranes mate for life, but each spring they renew their bond through a courtship ritual that includes dancing, bowing, chortling, and throwing tufts of grass in the air. They leave again in late March/early April for the northern U.S. and Canada, where they raise their young. In fall, they begin to arrive back in the San Luis Valley in late September, and stay until mid-November.In general, cranes are in agricultural fields or grasslands during daylight hours, and in wetlands from sunset to sunrise. In some locations they return to wetlands during mid-day for water and rest. About 500 cranes feed and roost in wetlands within the boundaries of the national park, but this area is currently not accessible to the general public. It is currently owned by The Nature Conservancy, and managed by Ranchlands.

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