Nebraska's Annual Sandhill Crane Migration is a Natural Wonder You Don't Want to Miss!

During the pandemy, most of us tried our hands at new hobbies - baking bread, doing puzzles, kayaking, etc. My husband and I were no different as we navigated our new way of life, trying to find creative ways to get outdoors while still remaining socially distant. During those days my husband got very into birdwatching and it quickly became one of his favorite pastimes.

Because of this new found passion, It wasn’t long before we learned about the great Sandhill Crane migration that takes place every year in Nebraska as thousands of birds make their way up from Mexico and stop to rest and refuel before flying North to their breeding grounds.

Shortly after learning about this, we decided it was high time to plan a trip down to Nebraska and see these beautiful birds for ourselves! So if you’re a bird enthusiast like my husband or just curious about the Sandhill Crane migration, this post has got you covered!

When is the Great Crane Migration?

In late February through mid April, more than 80% of the world’s population of Sandhill Cranes converge on Nebraska’s Platte River valley. Over 100 miles of land from Grand Island, NE to North Platte, NE is vital habitat for waterfowl because the shallow rivers and crop fields provide the resources the birds need to continue on their long journey north.

The birds spend several weeks resting and foraging which allows ample time for visitors to witness one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles in the world!

How to View the Cranes

Maybe I’ve seen one-too-many a nature documentary, but I was envisioning myself having to trek out into the wilderness and maybe camp for days to see these birds, but that is not the case at all! They are literally everywhere! As soon as you hit Grand Island, NE and keep heading west, you will see thousands of birds right along I-80 in the fields that line either side of the interstate.

However, if you’re looking for a better viewing experience than in the parking lot of a gas station along the highway (and yes, we did that too! haha) there are a few options on how to do it.

Take a Guided Tour:
One of the most popular options to see the cranes is to take a guided tour. Several tour companies offer trips to Nebraska specifically for the purpose of seeing the Sandhill Cranes. These tours typically last between 2-3 hours and take place at either dawn or dusk near some of the best viewing areas by the river. There are even special tours just for photographers.

The two most popular tours are through Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center in Hall County, NE and the Row Sanctuary and Iain Nicholson Audubon Center in Gibbon.

Take a Self-Guided Tour
If you prefer to explore on your own, there are several wildlife refuges and nature preserves along the migration route where you can view the Sandhill Cranes. These locations typically have observation decks or trails that offer excellent views of the birds. The most popular times of day to view the birds are at dawn and dusk while they roost in the river as it makes for some of the most beautiful photography, but you can also easily see them mid-day as they graze in nearby corn fields.

You can find more viewing centers here

Bird Watching Etiquette

While bird watching can be a fun and relaxing experience, it is important to practice good etiquette to ensure that the birds are not disturbed and their habitats are not damaged.

Keep a Safe Distance from the Cranes and their nests. Stay inside the blind / out of sight of the birds so as not to scare or disturb them. Do not try to approach the birds as it could cause them to panic.
Avoid Loud Noises: it’s recommended to speak in whispers, silence your phone and shut car doors as quietly as you can. It’s also worth noting that harassing the cranes and other birds by honking, flashing car lights or yelling is not only a jerk move, it’s illegal and will result in some hefty fines for you.
No Flash Photography. This is kind of an obvious one in my opinion, you wouldn’t want a swarm of paparazzi blinding you with a flash, the birds don’t like it either. It’s also advised by the Audubon Society to dim your phone/camera screen, especially when viewing the birds at dawn and dusk.
Do Not Trespass on Private Land. While you may see hundreds of birds on a farm or other private property, do not wander out onto someone’s field. However, viewing them from a county road is OK so long as you’re not a hindrance or danger to other drivers. Use your car as a blind and either stay inside or right next to it.
Respect the Environment: Stay on designated paths and leave no trace behind!

Following these simple rules will help to ensure that you and others can continue to enjoy bird watching while also preserving the natural environment for generations to come.

What to Pack

If you're planning to view the Sandhill Crane migration in Nebraska, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Nebraska can be quite chilly and very windy in early spring, so be sure to wear warm layers (hats and gloves included) and comfortable footwear. There are some birding blinds with benches so you can sit as you view the cranes, but for the most part you will be standing for long periods of time. It’s also recommended by birding experts to wear dark clothing if possible so you’re less visible to the cranes.

You’ll definitely want a good pair of binoculars with you as the cranes are often quite a distance away from the viewing blinds. Look for ones with a magnification of at least 8x and a wide field of view.

If you’re like me and photography is a passion of yours, a camera is a must! A telephoto lens is not required, but I certainly regretted not having one on our trip. If you don’t want to pay for an expensive new lens just for this trip, a lot of camera shops have rental options. It’s also worth noting that most bird viewing decks do not allow tripods as they take up too much space, but monopods are OK.

Lastly, don’t forget to pack water and snacks! You’ll want to be out watching the birds for several hours at a time (most guided tours last around 3 hours) and while the visitor centers will likely have some snacks available, it’s not always a guarantee.

Where to Stay

Viewing the crane migration is possible across several towns from Grand Island, NE to North Platte, so I would first recommend deciding on where and how you’d like to view the birds. The most popular times for viewing the cranes are at dawn and dusk. So if you’ve booked yourself a dawn river tour, I recommend staying as close to your tour as possible.

If you’re doing a self guided tour, you may have a bit more flexibility on where you’d like to stay. Here are a few options:

The Rowe Sanctuary, located in Gibbon, Nebraska, offers a variety of lodging options, including cabins, bunkhouses, and a guest house. They also offer guided bird watching tours along the Platte River.
Kearney, Nebraska, is a larger city located near the Platte River, and there are several hotels in the area. Some popular options include the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Hampton Inn, and Comfort Inn. Find more options here
North Platte is another city near the Platte River with plenty of hotel chains you’re likely familiar with like Tru by Hilton and the Holiday Inn Express
If you’re really up for an adventure, there are several campgrounds in the Platte River Valley area, including Platte River State Park, where you can pitch a tent or park your RV.
AirBnB or Vrbo are always a great option too if you’re looking for more of a unique home or cabin stay

How long you decide to stay is entirely up to you. If birding isn’t your life’s passion, one day of viewing is probably plenty. But we met a few other tourists who were literally following the Crane's entire migration! Regardless of how you decide to make your trip, it's still a good idea to book your accommodations well in advance as the area can get quite busy during migration season.

Every year visitors from around the world come to witness this awe-inspiring migration, and it's easy to see why. From the early morning flights to the evening roosts, the sights and sounds of the cranes are truly remarkable. Even if you’re not a passionate birder, it’s hard not to appreciate the beauty and wonder of this natural phenomenon that is sure to leave a lasting impression. So why not add a visit to the Platte River Valley during the sandhill crane migration to your bucket list? It's an adventure you won't soon forget!

Until next time, Happy Adventuring!
-Karen