Sandhill Cranes -

Prehistoric in appearance, these majestic migratory birds make their way to the marshy areas of the Gunnison Basin each spring. Although some continue north to Montana and Canada, a number of them briefly make temporary homes in Colorado. They’re not hard to spot – cranes are long-legged, long-necked birds with a slate or brown-gray plumage. They can grow up to 34 inches in length and weigh up to 10 pounds. Their “gar-oo-oo” trumpet can be heard for miles.