The great Sandhill Crane migration
Central Nebraska is the staging area for the largest migration of Sandhill cranes in the world. An 80 mile stretch of the Platte River is where up to ONE Million cranes converge, representing roughly 80 % of the world population.
When & why…. Mid February through early April is when the cranes can be found here. The cranes spend weeks resting and fattening up on leftover corn in agricultural fields and feeding on insects and invertebrates in wet meadows. At night they stand in the shallow water of the river for safety, away from predators like coyotes, foxes and bobcats.
The Platte River at sunrise- cranes roosting on the river while flocks begin to depart for daily foraging in the local corn fields.
Where do they come from and where are they going?
Sandhill cranes arrive here from wintering grounds in Florida, Texas, New Mexico and Mexico on their way to summer breeding grounds in Alaska, Canada and Siberia.
Sandhill cranes flying at sunrise against a beautiful early morning sky
Roosting & flying cranes along the Platte River in early morning.
Sandhill cranes mate for life, which can mean 2 decades or more. They stay with their mates year round.
Sandhill cranes flying over the Platte River marsh just after sunrise on their way to forage.
Sandhill crane flight formations
As cranes prepare to land they extend their legs and spread their wings. They literally look like they are “falling” from the sky.
Sandhill cranes prpeare to land at sunset in the Platte River to roost for the evening
Silhouetted cranes drop down from the orange sunset sky
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Until next time
Stay focused,
Rick