One of the great spectacles of the natural world – the migration of 650,000 Sandhill cranes – should be on your bucket list. From March through mid-April, these birds from ancient lineage will fill the skies over central Nebraska. By day, the huge grey clouds of birds forage over and on Nebraska cropland. Come dusk, they swoop into the Platte River valley, where they roost for the night.
This migration has been occurring for tens of thousands of years and is truly an amazing sight to witness. For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts in general, this is definitely a must-see event. In all, 80 percent of the world's Sandhill cranes migrate through central Nebraska.
Crane watching doesn't require a lot of specialized equipment, but visitors, whether hiking or just observing, need to dress warmly. Layering is a good strategy to preserve body heat on the hike-bike trail and in viewing blinds, and don't forget warm headwear, socks, boots and gloves or mittens.
There are lots of opportunities to see the cranes: roadside parking sites, hike and bike trails and viewing sites and blinds at wildlife sanctuaries. For more information go to www.visitnebraska.com
