While visiting family in the higher terrain of south Metro Denver last evening, we went outside to walk the dogs. Spotted towhees, scrub jays and black-billed magpies were calling from the wooded ravines but my attention was drawn skyward when I heard the distinctive bugling of sandhill cranes.
Difficult to locate at first, I finally saw them, a large V of sixty or more cranes; since they generally travel at a high altitude, these hardy migrants are often heard before they are seen. Last evening's flock was likely heading for West Texas or New Mexico though some winter as far south as Mexico.
Whatever their destination, it is always a thrill to witness their journey and October is usually the best month to catch their autumn migration. Of course, being at the right place at the right time also helps.
