Sandhill cranes are large, majestic birds that migrate through Tennessee each winter on their way to and from their breeding grounds further north. Witnessing thousands of sandhill cranes taking flight or gathered together roosting is an awe-inspiring sight for any bird enthusiast. Fortunately, there are several excellent places in Tennessee to spot these cranes.
What are sandhill cranes?
Sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) are tall, gray birds that can reach up to 4 feet in height with a wingspan of up to 7 feet. They have a red forehead, white cheek, and long dark pointed bill. Immature sandhill cranes are browner in color. These birds are very social and migrate in large flocks.
Sandhill cranes breed in the northern United States, Canada, and eastern Siberia. They migrate south for the winter to the southern U.S. and Mexico. There are six subspecies of sandhill crane, three of which migrate through Tennessee:
Greater sandhill crane
The most common subspecies seen in Tennessee, the greater sandhill crane is the largest type of crane. It is also known as the “big crane.” They breed across northern North America and winter primarily in Texas and New Mexico.
Lesser sandhill crane
Smaller than the greater sandhill crane, the lesser sandhill crane breeds across the tundra regions of northern Canada and Alaska. They winter in southern California and northern Mexico.
Canadian sandhill crane
As the name suggests, this crane nests across central and eastern Canada. They winter along the Gulf Coast from Mississippi to Florida.
Why do sandhill cranes migrate through Tennessee?
During migration, sandhill cranes follow major flyways between their northern breeding grounds and southern wintering grounds. Several main flyways pass through Tennessee, including the Eastern, Mississippi, and Central Flyways.
Tennessee provides excellent migratory stopover habitat for feeding and resting in wetlands, fields, and oak savannas. Many state wildlife refuges, management areas, parks, and private lands offer ideal roosting and foraging areas for sandhill cranes during migration.
The cranes start arriving in Tennessee as early as late October and stay through February. Peak migration is December through January. East Tennessee generally sees more sandhill crane activity than the central or western regions.
Where to see sandhill cranes in Tennessee
Here are some of the top places in Tennessee to spot migrating and wintering sandhill cranes:
Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency manages this refuge in the southeast corner of the state along the Hiwassee River specifically for sandhill crane and waterfowl migration habitat. Thousands of sandhill cranes congregate here from November through February, with up to 12,000 cranes at a time in January.
The refuge features a 6-mile driving loop through open, wet meadows and fields where you can often see the cranes feeding. Observation platforms along the loop offer excellent views. The cranes fly in to roost at dusk on the sandbars of the Hiwassee River near the viewing platforms, putting on a spectacular show.
Reelfoot Lake
Reelfoot Lake State Park in extreme northwest Tennessee offers more opportunities for seeing wintering sandhill cranes. The 15,000-acre lake and surrounding wetlands attract over 100,000 migrating waterfowl and 10,000 sandhill cranes each winter. Drives along the Grassy Island Wildlife Management Area and walks along wildlife viewing trails let you scan for cranes. They also roost on islands within the main lake area. Visit in December or January for peak numbers.
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge
Located just across the state line from Reelfoot Lake in western Kentucky, this refuge also provides excellent sandhill crane viewing from November through February. Up to 20,000 cranes have been recorded here during the peak of migration. Hike along the stick nest trail or take refuge auto tour routes to look for cranes feeding in the fields.
Cumberland Plateau
Several state parks and natural areas on the Cumberland Plateau in east Tennessee support migrating and wintering sandhill cranes, including Frozen Head State Park, Obed Wild and Scenic River, Lilly Bluff State Natural Area, and Bays Mountain Park. The extensive open meadows dotted among the forested hills provide ideal habitat.
Hike through these parks November through February and listen for the trumpeting call of sandhill cranes. Dawn and dusk offer the best viewing opportunities. Check meadows, lakeshores, wetlands, and fields for cranes.
Other sites
Additional areas to spot sandhill cranes in Tennessee include:
– Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge
– Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge
– Eagle Lake Refuge
– Old Fort State Archaeological Park
– Cordell Hull Wildlife Management Area
Best practices for crane watching
When trying to spot sandhill cranes in Tennessee, keep these tips in mind:
– Dawn and dusk are when cranes are most active feeding and flying between roosting and feeding sites.
– Bring binoculars and spotting scopes to help pick out distant cranes in fields – they are easiest to spot when upright and not feeding.
– Listen for their unique rattling, trumpeting call which carries long distances.
– Dress for the weather and be cautious of deep mud around wetlands.
– Keep your distance from cranes to avoid startling them – use viewing platforms when available.
– Park well away from fields and wetlands to avoid disturbing cranes.
– Avoid loud noises, sudden movements, and getting between cranes and their roost sites or young.
– Follow all rules and regulations when at state and federal wildlife refuges.
Sandhill crane viewing opportunities by season
The number of cranes and best viewing locations changes throughout the migration season:
| Timeframe | Where to see cranes | Crane numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Late October | Hiwassee WR, Cumberland Plateau | Hundreds arriving |
| November | Obed River, Hiwassee WR | Thousands gathering |
| December | Hiwassee WR, Reelfoot Lake | Peak of 100,000+ statewide |
| January | Hiwassee WR, Reelfoot Lake, TN NWR | Peak continues |
| February | Reelfoot Lake, TN NWR | Declining, some remain all winter |
Migration peaks
The sandhill crane fall migration through Tennessee peaks in December and January. Numbers start declining by late January. By February, most cranes have continued south, but some remain in western Tennessee throughout the winter.
Spring migration starts by early February, but is more drawn out, with smaller numbers moving north each week into March.
Conclusion
Witnessing the impressive migration spectacle of thousands of calling, prehistoric-looking sandhill cranes is one of the highlights of Tennessee wildlife viewing. The Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge, Reelfoot Lake, and Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge are the premier spots to see these birds, but great viewing opportunities exist statewide from October through February. With some knowledge of sandhill crane behavior, when and where to look in Tennessee throughout the migration season, and proper viewing etiquette, you’ll have a good chance of observing these remarkable birds.
