Boomer Destinations – Nebraska Sandhill Crane Viewing
By Tim Trudell
Central Nebraska skies will soon fill with scenes of prehistoric birds echoing their world-famous call. The annual Sandhill crane migration arrives in late February and runs through early April.
Sandhill cranes have been migrating along the Central Flyway for more than 10,000 years. It’s the only spot in the world where you can view more than half a million Sandhill cranes over a six- to eight-week period.
Sandhill cranes spend their days eating their fill in farm fields along the Central Flyway, a 100-mile stretch from Grand Island to North Platte. Kearney seems to be the natural Ground Zero, typically attracting the largest gathering of Cranes.
Up to 700,000 Sandhill cranes can be expected to spend time in Nebraska. They’re making their way from as far south as South America to northern nesting destinations, including Canada, Siberia, Alaska and northern states such as Minnesota and Wisconsin.
While each bird typically spends a few weeks resting and eating to build their strength, the migration attracts more birds as the weather warms. Cranes spend their nights huddled on sandbars in the Platte River. The water protects them from predators such as coyotes and foxes, as they tend to splash as they attempt to sneak up on the cranes. They’ll fly away en masse, returning when it’s safe.
Cranes – known for the red spot on the crown of their heads – can grow to about 4 feet tall. They only weigh a few pounds. The birds mate for life. If you see one flying solo, they likely have lost their mate.
Where to View
Each of the main cities – Grand Island, Kearney and North Platte – have selected viewing areas where you can watch cranes or participate in guided tours.
Self-guided crane-watching tours are as easy as finding a safe spot in the country. Gravel roads offer easy access to crane watching. Ensure you don’t block traffic as you watch cranes hanging out in fields, eating and playing.
Use the vehicle as a natural blind, so the birds will conduct themselves naturally. They’re distrusting of humans, so they quickly back away once they observe you. But, after a while, if you use a blind, they’ll get back to their routine.
If you choose to purchase a guided tour, the Crane Trust Nature Center near Grand Island is a good option. Offering daytime public viewing tours and footbridge tours, experienced guides share their knowledge and viewing tips.
The Crane Trust’s experience also features bird blinds and overnight excursions.
Located about two miles south of the Crane Trust, the Alda Crane Viewing Site is south of I-80 at Exit 305 (Alda). It’s best to arrive no later than an hour before sunrise or sunset.
In Kearney, the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary provides speaker-led events, as well as guided night tours to natural blinds, allowing you to watch the cranes land on sandbars to roost for the night. It’s interesting to watch a sandbar fill, with one or two birds first arriving, then a few more, followed by others. Within minutes, sandbars are full of hundreds of cranes settling in for the cold winter night. Morning tours offer an opportunity to watch the birds head skyward around sunrise.
The Fort Kearny State Park’s pedestrian/bicycle bridge spans over the Platte River, perfect for sunrise or sunset viewing. A former railroad bridge, it’s part of the Kearney Trail System, connecting Fort Kearny to Cottonmill Park, covering a distance of 13 miles.
A popular evening viewing site is the Richard Plautz Crane Viewing Site, an observation deck located about 1.5 miles south of I-80 at Exit 285 (Gibbon). The setting is perfect for watching cranes fly overhead in formation as they come in for the night after a day of traveling miles to find food. Plan to arrive no later than an hour before sunrise or sunset.
North Platte crane viewing is best observed through private tours with Dusty Trails. With daytime bus tours, you can observe cranes as they feed and frolic in nearby fields. Dusty Trails also offers guided viewing blind trips in the morning and evening.
Whooping cranes
With less than 1,000 worldwide, the Whooping Crane may be the best-known endangered species traveling through Nebraska. White, with black legs and beaks, the Whopping Crane stands about five feet tall with a seven-foot wingspan.
If you observe a Whooping Crane among the gray-feathered Sandhill cranes, do not approach and immediately notify wildlife officials.
Sandhill Crane etiquette
Sandhill crane viewing includes following established etiquette. Ensure you follow the guidelines for proper watching:
Do not approach cranes on foot while they are in fields. Cranes do not tolerate humans.
Stay in your car and use it as a blind.
Use appropriate locations for viewing the cranes on the river. Do not attempt to approach or otherwise disturb cranes on the river.
Never approach a whooping crane. Flushing a whooping crane violates the Endangered Species Act. Stay in your car. View guidelines to avoid harassing whooping cranes.
Many paved and gravel roads traverse the area, and traffic travels fast. While driving to crane viewing areas, observe the following rules:
Do not slow or stop on the road. Drive onto the shoulder.
Never slow down or stop on bridges.
Never block a driveway or any other farm road.
Most land adjacent to the river and all of the agricultural fields are private property, so visitors should:
Stay on county roads. Do not drive on farm roads.
Assume all property is private and obtain owner permission before entering.
Never cross a fence or open a cattle gate without the owner’s permission.
Do not disturb farm animals, cross cropland or touch farm equipment.
Respect the rights of the people who live in the area.
Personal preparations
As you head to central Nebraska for Sandhill crane viewing, ensure you dress for the weather. Nebraska’s weather can change on a dime, so it’s wise to dress in layers.
It’s recommended to bring the following:
- Coat
- Gloves
- Winter caps
- Hand and foot warmers
- Winter shoes/boots
- Binoculars
- Camera with telephoto lens
- Thermos with warm drinks
- Snacks
Viewing the Sandhill crane migration is almost a religious experience to some people. Joining you in experiencing this uniquely Nebraska event will be about 50,000 visitors from around the United States, as well as internationally. Enjoy the view!
