Watching the Sandhill Crane Migration in Grand Island Nebraska -Mar 2012

Sandhill cranes at dusk video (click to view)

		Sandhill Cranes in Nebraska VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

The Platte River Valley in Nebraska is the narrowest part of the central “flyway” which funnels ½ million Sandhill Cranes (and many other birds, including eagles & whooping cranes) on their journey north. 80% of the total Sandhill Crane population goes through Nebraska and are the oldest living bird species on the planet. They are also huge with a 4’ height & 6’ wingspan. These social birds roost overnight in the shallow river by the multi-thousands. In this way they can be warned of  predators approaching in the water (aka coyotes). We sneaked toward the Plate River and quietly slipped into “blinds” set up along the shore. We went both for sunrise “take-off” and again at dusk when the birds return to their roost. From the blind, we could view their activity without disturbing them. They stay in the Nebraska area 3-4 weeks, fattening up on corn from the leftovers in the fields and finding mates before they continue their journey. The mating dance is most exciting to watch as the males perform jumps, prances, wing flicks, and corncob tossing. Most of them fly to Canada & the Arctic, but some keep going all the way to Siberia. We’re trying out a video on our webpage for the first time, so you can share our incredible nature experience. Click on link above to view it (hopefully.)