The Journal
The Monte Vista National Wildlife refuge is hosting the 13th annual Kids’ Crane Festival on Saturday, Oct. 14.
Festivities begin with lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m., according to a news release.
Festivalgoers will see the migrating sandhill cranes that stop at the refuge as they way head south, as well as witness the release of a rough-legged hawk that was injured last winter on Colorado Highway 15. The hawk has been recuperating since January at the Frisco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Del Norte. The hawk will be released about 12:30 p.m.
It likely will stay through winter before heading to its breeding grounds in the Arctic in spring, said Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer Michael Sirochman.
Other festival activities include a puppet show, scavenger hunt, archery, migration and pollination games, binocular lessons and origami. The wildlife/nature loop through the refuge is open for hiking and bicycling. Families are encouraged to bring bicycles, helmets and hiking shoes.
The Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge is seven miles south of Monte Vista on Route 15. No reservations are necessary, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, call Tim Armstrong at 719-852-2452.
