Article and photos by Anthony Guerrero South of Monte Vista in the San Luis Valley is a prime opportunity to view nature up close. The Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is a serene location mostly of wetlands featuring waterfowl and other water-dependent birds. The refuge is famous, hosting to up to 27,000 Sandhill Cranes every spring (Mid-March) and every fall (Mid-October) as they migrate to their northern breeding grounds. The refuge is part of the larger San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex. More than 200 species of birds are provided feeding, resting and breeding habitats in the area. The…