The sandhill cranes of the North American central flyway are making their way south from their nesting grounds in Canada, Alaska and Russia this time of year. They will pass through Nebraska but usually don't spend much time here unless the weather dictates. They are headed south to the wintering grounds in Texas, Mexico, New Mexico and other places where they will stay until the urge to migrate north hits in February or March 2011.
We get a lot of questions about viewing the cranes in the fall, but it's much more difficult to find them in the fall. (See this article that Dan wrote last week) Sandhill cranes are here, and do use the Platte River and surrounding areas, but they don't spend the extended time like they do for the spring portion of their yearly migration cycle.
hit the jump to read on
So below, I've found a short video clip from last year's crane season to help tie you over with a "crane fix". It will be here before you know it!
If you just can't wait, and want to reserve some of the best times available in our guided viewing blinds tours, just hit the link to see what we have available or to sign up! It's just that easy.
We're also offering gift certificates that can be used for any of our spring guided tours or merchandise in our Crimson Crown Gift Shop.
The video below was shot and produced by University of Nebraska- Omaha student Katie Murphy.
I saw a flock in the air to the east of Kearney last week. Not many, perhaps 3 dozen, but enough to encourage me to pull off the highway and just watch and listen for a short while. Spring seems a long ways away right now; thanks for posting the video.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, good to hear from you! It's kind of cool to hear the birds call and say "see ya in a few more months!"
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