MONTE VISTA – The 42nd Annual Monte Vista Crane Festival is less than a month away. This year, the festival will take place from March 7-9. Thousands of people attend this unique event.  

Each year, Sandhill Cranes migrate through the San Luis Valley in the spring from mid-February to early April. The peak migration time is usually in early March. One of the best places to witness the Sandhill Crane migration is at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge’s wildlife viewing areas south of Monte Vista on Highway 15. 

The Crane Festival is a collaborative effort between the Friends of the San Luis Valley Wildlife Refuges, the City of Monte Vista, the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce, and the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Complex. 

Crane Festival organizers have scheduled a full array of talks, tours, and workshops over the course of the three days.  

According to the MV Crane Festival website, a general admission ticket will give a person access to “expert-guided crane viewing times” at the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge and a “Crane Basics” talk led by renowned crane experts at the Ski-Hi Complex. 

A ticket upgrade is available that will allow a person access to all special talks, including the keynote address.  

This year’s keynote speaker is Scott Weidensaul, a world-renowned author and researcher. According to scottweidensaul.com, he is an ornithologist (someone who studies birds). He researches bird migration and uses the information in his writing and public speaking. Weidensaul has also directed many major research projects, with specific focus on bird migration. He is an author of over 30 books on natural history.  

Weidensaul speaks about wildlife and many environmental subjects. He is also an active field researcher who focuses on studying migration in hummingbirds, owls, and passerines.  

Many other special talks are available, along with tours that people can attend by driving out and meeting with speakers. 

The Monte Vista Crane Festival also includes a Craft and Nature Fair at the Outcalt Event and Conference at SLV Ski-Hi Complex, 2335 Sherman Ave., courtesy of the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce. Over 100 vendors will be at the Craft and Nature Fair, selling their wares, beginning at 8 a.m. each day of the festival. 

On Saturday, March 8, the annual Fly the Coop 5K Run and Walk will be held at 10 a.m. This fun run and walk begins at Monte Vista Athletic Club, 2360 Sherman Ave., Monte Vista. Runners and walkers of all abilities, ages, and sizes are welcome to participate in the 5K run-walk. Proceeds will benefit the Monte Vista Community Ambulance Service. More information and a registration form are available on the festival’s website. 

For more a complete schedule and more information, visit online https://mvcranefest.org.