Where is the best viewing area for sandhill cranes?

Sandhill cranes are large, graceful birds that migrate through the central United States twice a year. They gather in large numbers at certain wetlands and river valleys to rest and feed during migration. Watching the cranes arrive en masse at these staging areas is a spectacular wildlife viewing opportunity.

When is the best time to view sandhill cranes?

There are two main migration periods to see sandhill cranes in the central U.S.:

• Spring Migration: From February to April, sandhill cranes stopover in central states like Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas as they migrate north to their breeding grounds in the northern U.S. and Canada. The peak of spring migration is typically in March.
• Fall Migration: From October to November, sandhill cranes pass through central states again as they migrate south for the winter. The peak of fall migration is usually in October.

During both migration periods, some of the largest sandhill crane congregations occur along the Platte River in Nebraska, making this one of the most popular places to observe the cranes.

Where are the best viewing locations to see sandhill cranes?

Here are some of the top spots across the central U.S. to view sandhill cranes during migration:

Nebraska

• Platte River Valley – The most famous crane viewing location, with over 500,000 cranes stopping here in spring. Viewing spots between Grand Island and Kearney offer places to watch cranes roosting along the Platte River at sunset.
• Rowe Sanctuary – Operated by the National Audubon Society, this wildlife sanctuary near Kearney offers blinds along the river to see cranes up close.
• Crane Trust Nature Conservancy – Provides viewing blinds in the Platte River valley south of Grand Island.

Kansas

• Quivira National Wildlife Refuge – A hotspot for migrating cranes in April along the Big Salt Marsh wetlands.
• Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area – Cranes gather at this 41,000 acre wetland area northeast of Great Bend.

Oklahoma

• Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge – Sandhill cranes stop at the wetlands here in early spring and fall migrations.

Texas

• Aransas National Wildlife Refuge – The largest flock of sandhill cranes winters here from November to March.

When to see sandhill cranes during the day

The best times to observe sandhill cranes are early in the morning and in the evening:

• Morning – Cranes are most active feeding in fields and wetlands at dawn and for several hours after sunrise. Arrive at viewing areas at first light to see cranes fly out from roosting sites.
• Evening – One to two hours before sunset, cranes begin gathering at their evening roosting sites, often along rivers. Position yourself with a good view across the water to see masses of cranes fly in dramatic formations to roost for the night.

Midday offers a lull in crane activity after morning feeding and before evening roosting flights. But dedicated crane watchers may still enjoy observing cranes resting and socializing in wetlands during mid-day.

Sandhill crane viewing tips

To have the best experience viewing sandhill cranes, follow these tips:

• Use binoculars or spotting scopes to get good views of the cranes without disturbing them.
• Wear muted colors like greens, browns or grays to avoid startling cranes.
• Watch cranes from viewing platforms or blinds where available, or keep your distance from the birds if out in the open.
• Quietly move into position at least an hour before sunset to secure a prime spot for the evening fly-in.
• Bring a camera with a zoom lens to capture photos of cranes in action.
• Dress in layers for potentially chilly spring mornings and evenings.
• Check local crane watching guides for detailed maps and directions to viewing sites.

What do sandhill cranes eat?

Sandhill cranes are omnivorous birds that feed on a diverse mix of plant and animal foods. During migration stopovers their main food sources include:

• Grains – Especially corn, which provides crucial fat and protein. Cranes will visit harvested grain fields.
• Wetland plants – Roots, tubers, shoots and seeds from marsh plants.
• Insects – Such as worms, beetles and larvae.
• Rodents and small vertebrates – Voles, mice, snakes and frogs.

Strong, pointed bills allow sandhill cranes to probe muddy wetlands and fields for food. They employ a lunge-feeding technique, quickly thrusting the bill down to grab prey.

Sandhill crane behavior and biology

Here are some interesting facts about the biology and behavior of sandhill cranes:

• Sandhill cranes mate for life, pairing up by 2-3 years old. Pairs synchronize their loud, trumpeting calls.
• They nest in wetlands across northern North America and Siberia, building mound nests from wetland vegetation.
• 1-3 spotted buff-colored eggs are laid. Both parents incubate the eggs for about 30 days.
• Colts (chicks) hatch in late spring. Parents lead them from the nest within a day and protect them for 9-10 months.
• Sandhill cranes live 20-30 years on average in the wild.
• These are very large birds, with a height of 3-5 feet. Their wingspans are 5-7 feet across.
• In flight, they keep necks and legs fully extended. Large flocks fly in staggered V-formations.

Conservation status of sandhill cranes

There are six subspecies of sandhill cranes in North America, with varying conservation statuses:

Overall sandhill crane populations remain healthy, aside from the non-migratory Mississippi and Florida subspecies which have suffered major declines from wetland habitat loss. Wetland conservation efforts across the central U.S. have been beneficial for migratory populations.

Threats facing sandhill cranes

Some ongoing threats to sandhill cranes include:

• Habitat loss – Draining of wetlands and prairie conversion reduces feeding and nesting habitat.
• Collisions – Cranes are vulnerable to strikes with power lines, wind turbines and vehicles during migration.
• Climate change – Could affect crane breeding and migration patterns long-term.
• Disease – Avian cholera outbreaks occasionally occur at migratory stopovers.

Crane festivals and events

Many communities in the central U.S. host annual crane festivals and viewing events. These celebrate the arrival of sandhill cranes and give locals and tourists opportunities to see the cranes and learn about them. Some popular crane festivals include:

• Nebraska Crane Festival – Held in March in Kearney along the Platte River.
• Oklahoma Sandhill Crane Festival – Held in March at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge.
• Kansas Wetlands Education Center Crane Festival – Held in March near Great Bend.
• Winter Wings Birding Festival – Held in February near Houston for wintering cranes.

These festivals typically feature expert-led crane viewing trips, educational presentations, Photography workshops, and family activities.

Conclusion

For bird watchers across North America, seeing the annual migrations of sandhill cranes is a must. With huge numbers of cranes converging on central wetlands in February-April and October-November, opportunities abound to witness these elegant birds. Optimal viewing spots feature wide open spaces along the Platte River, ranches, wetland refuges and nature preserves that attract roosting and feeding cranes. As with any wildlife viewing, patience and care not to disturb the cranes will lead to the most rewarding experiences. With growing interest in crane-watching, continued conservation efforts are essential to ensure the preservation of wetland stopovers for future generations to enjoy sandhill crane migrations.