Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis) are large, loud, and one of our most majestic birds. With a wingspan of almost seven feet, seeing flocks of thousands heading north each spring is a sight to behold! Come along as we visit Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge in south-central Colorado to watch the birds flock, feed, and dance, all in preparation for their long journey north.
Living anywhere in North America, you will see birds in the Corvidae family: Crows, Ravens, Magpies, Nutcrackers, and Jays. They are bold, tend to be very noisy, and are the most intelligent birds in the world. Their intelligence actually surpasses that of many mammals. Research has shown that Corvids are capable of recalling specific past events, planning for the future, using cooperative problem-solving, and creating novel tools to solve problems. Maybe we should elect a few crows to Congress!
We know Jays in the USA because most are blue, but Canada Jays (Perisoreus canadensis) wear no blue and are slightly smaller, about the size of a robin. Living in spruce/pine/fir forests, they blend in nicely. They are quieter than their cousins, but much more curious. Never hesitating to get close to humans, they may land on your head or hand. I had a unique experience hiking in the mountains near home at an elevation of 9,200 feet. Hi there!
Mueller State Park is about 28 miles into the mountains from Colorado Springs. Covering 5,121 acres with ponds, rock outcropping, mountain views in every direction, and amazing aspen groves, a walk this time of year will be spectacular! Grab your water and get ready because we start our hike at about 9,650 feet and it will be a down and up huffer puffer as we drop 500 feet to Preacher’s Hollow and Never-Never Pond. We’ll take it slow because the thin air at this elevation will take its toll on us both!
It has been quite a while since we hiked together, so it’s time to head out for a three-mile hike in Garden of the Gods. Arriving at 6:15am, we have golden light, trails you have never seen, and huge rocks, particularly red rocks, everywhere. Now I know what so many country songs mean when they talk of “red-dirt”! We’ll be brushing it off our shoes and if our shoes “breath”, we’ll be washing it out of our socks. Ready to head out? The Bretag Trail awaits!
