Welcome to Eckert Crane Days!

Every Spring the Greater Sandhill Cranes begin their northward migration through New Mexico and the San Luis Valley of Colorado.  En route they arrive at Eckert, Colorado, located below the Southern rim of the world's largest flat-top mountain, the Grand Mesa.  Here the end of Winter is announced by one of nature's most impressive heralds of Spring.  

From early March to mid-April, Greater Sandhill Cranes in small and large flocks glide into Hart's Basin of the Surface Creek Valley, and land at Fruitgrower's Reservoir east of Eckert.  Most of the 20,000+ migrating birds come to the reservoir for an overnight stay to rest, feed, and regroup, relying on the reservoir's water and wetlands for protection and adjacent agricultural lands for food.  The following morning they lift off in an organized mayhem of flight and sound that cannot be forgotten.

Will you join us?

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