SAN LUIS VALLEY — Each spring, many birds come to the San Luis Valley and spend the summer nesting here to raise their brood. Members of the Friends of the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuges have organized a schedule of spring bird walks.

They are open to the public and free. No need to sign up. Simply come to the designated place on the designated day arriving by 8 a.m. ready to hike. Dress for the weather and wear suitable footwear. Hats are helpful. Bring binoculars, a camera, water and snacks, and sun and insect protection. All walks will end about noon.

• April 20 — Spring Migration Meet at refuge headquarters, Alamosa Refuge
• April 27 — Spring Migration Meet at parking lot of Malm Trail in Alamosa
• May 11 — Spring Migration Meet at parking lot of Malm Trail in Alamosa
• May 18 — Spring Migration Meet at Monte Vista Refuge Visitor Center parking lot
• June 29 — Nesting season Meet at parking lot of Malm Trail in Alamosa
• July 13 — Water birds Meet at Monte Vista Refuge Visitor Center parking lot

Directions

• Monte Vista Refuge Visitor Center. From Monte Vista, drive south on State Highway 15 for 6 miles to the refuge's entrance. Turn east into the refuge.
• Alamosa Refuge Headquarters. From the junction of Highways 17 and 160, drive east on Highway 160 for about 3 miles to El Rancho Lane. Turn right (south) on El Rancho and drive south, over the railroad tracks. The refuge headquarters is on the left (east) just inside the main gate.
• Malm Trail parking lot. In Alamosa, follow 12th Street east to the Alamosa Recycling Center. Then drive about 1,000 feet on South River Road watching for a turnoff to the left into a parking lot. The street number is 8210 S. River Road, Alamosa.

Walk leaders

• Tim Armstrong — Retired Adams State University Biologist.
• Suzanne Beauchaine — Manager of the Alamosa and Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuges.
• Mike Blenden — Retired Project Leader of the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuges.
• Evert Brown — Retired University of Wyoming/Casper College Biology Professor, Bald Eagle Watch.
• Lisa Clements — Project leader for the Monte Vista Winter Bird Count.
• John Rawinski — San Luis Valley “go to” guy for answers to bird questions.

For more information, call Evert Brown at 307-315-8003.