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Every year, as winter begins to wane, a significant number of visitors converge on central Nebraska, reveling in a unique seasonal event. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement as these travelers set up camp, enjoy local culinary delights, and immerse themselves in nature’s offerings before making their departure.
This spectacular occasion also happens to be a marvel for bird enthusiasts.
We are referring to the migration of sandhill cranes in Nebraska, regarded as one of the most remarkable birding spectacles on the planet. This event occurs from late February through March in the heart of the United States, when approximately 80% of the global sandhill crane population gathers in the Platte River Valley. This region serves as a vital rest stop for the cranes during their journey from warmer climates back to their nesting grounds. Over the course of a month, these majestic birds refuel, with some gaining around 15% of their body weight, before they set off northward. This is an annually awaited experience for dedicated bird watchers, who deem it essential to witness this phenomenon firsthand. At dawn, the skies fill with the calls of nearly a million cranes as they embark on their daytime foraging, and in the evening, thousands return to their roosts.
For both novice bird watchers and seasoned experts, here’s a brief guide to planning an unforgettable birding adventure in Nebraska.
Making Your Way to Nebraska’s “Flyover Country”
While the cranes have an innate navigation instinct, you might need some assistance in locating the Platte River Valley in Nebraska, which stretches approximately 150 miles across the state. Four primary cities are situated conveniently near the migration route. The Nebraska Flyway website provides information on nearby accommodations, campgrounds, dining options, and local attractions.
The Valley is accessible via a five-hour drive from Denver or a two-hour trip west from Lincoln along I-80. For those flying in, regional airports generally offer connecting flights from cities like Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, or Las Vegas.
Traveling eastward on I-80, you’ll encounter North Platte, located just an hour from the Colorado border. This historic city, once home to Buffalo Bill, attracts fans of the American West and railroads alike, featuring the world’s largest classification railyard. Continuing east, approximately 100 miles further, you’ll arrive at Kearney, known for its historic fort and diverse museums.
Heading even further east, about 50 miles from Kearney, you’ll find Grand Island, which features the impressive Stuhr Museum. Nearby, Hastings is notable for its planetarium and observatory, providing opportunities to enjoy the night sky, especially appealing to stargazers.
Optimal Viewing Times for Sandhill Cranes
The arrival of the sandhill cranes generally starts at the end of February, though the exact timing can differ from year to year. Typically, the ideal viewing window falls in mid-to-late March when crane numbers begin to peak.
The best opportunities for observing the cranes occur at dawn and dusk. At sunrise, the cranes take flight to forage, while during the day, visitors can locate the birds feeding in nearby fields. As evening approaches, watch for thousands of cranes returning to the river to rest for the night.
It’s crucial to adhere to ethical birding practices to ensure a responsible watching experience. Respect the natural habitat of the birds, minimize noise and light nuisances, and always clean up after yourself. It’s also essential to stay within designated public areas, as much of the Valley is private property.
Consider Guided Viewing Experiences
Enhance your experience by reserving a guided blind tour. These specially designed structures allow for up-close observation of the cranes in their natural behavior, without disturbing them.
The Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center located near Wood River provides guided blind tours, including a VIP option that comes with lodging. For photography enthusiasts, they also offer crane photo workshops, which include access to specialized photo blinds. Additionally, there’s an evening walking tour that takes participants to a private footbridge, providing a stunning 360-degree view of cranes against the night sky.
The Rowe Sanctuary and Iain Nicolson Audubon Center, located near Gibbon, also provides guided viewing options and photography experiences, including overnight stays. For a more remote experience, virtual tours are available in March, along with a free online “Crane Cam,” which streams live footage of the migration along a five-mile stretch of the river.
Dusty Trails Outdoor Birding near North Platte provides morning and evening viewing blind tours, as well as bus tours to witness not only the cranes but also other wildlife, including turkeys and prairie chickens.
Embark on a Self-Guided Adventure
Prefer a solitary exploration? You can craft your own self-guided crane-viewing excursion.
During early morning or evening, make your way to one of the free public viewing decks located along the river—one in Alda and another in Gibbon, conveniently positioned between Kearney and Grand Island). These decks provide a bird-friendly opportunity for viewing cranes near the water, complete with nearby free parking.
For a chance to see the cranes feeding in the fields, there are several roadside turnouts adjacent to the public viewing areas.
A scenic driving route near North Platte encapsulates the westernmost part of the sandhill cranes’ roosting regions. This drive goes around the North River and Muskrat Run Wildlife Management Areas. The technique here is to proceed slowly with the windows down and listen; you may indeed hear the cranes before catching a glimpse of them.
Ready for Your Adventure? Begin Planning Your Sandhill Crane Bird-Watching Journey with Essential Tips. Discover more trip ideas and activities available year-round in Nebraska.
Source
www.travelzoo.com