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Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill Cranes

Experience One of the Earth’s Greatest Migrations

Every year from mid/late February to mid April, one million Sandhill Cranes migrate on the Platte River Valley in order to ‘fuel up’ before resuming their northward migration.

Start planning your trip today!

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Public Viewing Sites

The Kearney area has multiple options for public viewing, designated areas are provided for different times of the day. Pull-offs offer opportunities for day-time viewing while cranes are as in the fields, while the Plautz Viewing Platform and Fort Kearny Bridge, spanning the Platte River, offer perfect sunrise and sunset viewing.

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Viewing Etiquette

Not only is your crane experience our top priority, but we also want everyone else to enjoy theirs as well. Make sure to read through more about Crane Viewing Etiquette guidelines for your safety, the safety of others, and the safety of the birds. Feel free to call us at 308-237-3178 for any additional questions. We would love to help you!

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Rowe Sanctuary

Located just 20 minutes from Kearney, the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary lies right in the heart of a critical spring staging area for migrating Sandhill Cranes.

Construction Update: Currently the Visitor’s Center is closed for renovations, check-in for Guided Tours will be held in a tent for sunrise and sunset tours near the parking lot. Indoor bathrooms will not be available, but there are outdoor toilets near the Discovery Stations and on the trails. Parking near the Visitor’s Center may be limited due to construction vehicles. Watch for signage.

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Guided Tours

Experience the miraculous migration with a guided tour at Rowe Sanctuary. Reservations for its 2024 crane viewing opportunities on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 9:00 am CST. Reservations may be made online here. We highly recommend a guided tour where you will watch from a Discovery Station strategically placed along the Platte River to provide excellent views of Sandhill Cranes on their river roost.  Tours are held at sunrise and sunset. Each tour lasts approximately two hours and is led by trained guides.

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Trails at Rowe Sanctuary

There are 15 miles of gravel, trails along the river at Rowe Sanctuary. During Crane Season trails are open daily from 10:00 am – until 4:00 pm, but this may be subject to change depending on the location of cranes on the river. From March-April, access to the trails is strictly prohibited outside of these times to protect the birds from disturbance while on the river. Trails will be clearly marked, some may also be closed due to construction. Visitors will not be able to see cranes on the river from Rowe’s trails.

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Self Guided Tours

Use our Crane Watch Guide Map to help you navigate to various crane viewing locations to create your own crane viewing adventure. Pick from one of our suggested itineraries or create your own.

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Q&A

When is the best time to come? What should I pack? Where should I go to view the cranes? We want you to have a memorable and educational experience, so we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you get started!

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The Platte River Valley

The Platte River Valley is the most important stopover on this migration. The river provides the perfect spot to rest, and the nearby farmlands and wet meadows offer an abundance of food. Without the energy gained along the Platte, cranes might arrive at their breeding grounds in a weakened condition — where food may be limited until the spring growing season begins.

The Platte River region has a variety of habitats that support cranes. The most important is the Platte River itself. The river is very shallow and sandbars dot the channels. It is here the cranes rest at night, gaining protection from predators like coyotes.

Fast Facts

The spring migration population of sandhill cranes in the Central Nebraska Flyway is estimated at 650,000.

Height — 3 to 4 feet
Wingspan — 6 feet
Weight — 8 to 12 pounds
Color — Gray
Migration — 170 to 450 miles/day
Flight Speed — 38 mph
Mating — Begins at age 3 to 4
Eggs — 2 per year

Other Birding Guides

Each spring, something magical happens in the heart of the Great Plains. More than 80 percent of the world’s population of sandhill cranes converge on Nebraska’s Platte River valley. Along with the cranes, come millions of migrating ducks and geese in the neighboring rainwater basins. Learn more about other birdwatching opppunititees in the area.

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Crane Watch Brochure

Request your FREE Crane Watch Brochure today and start planning your visit!

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Experience the sights and sounds of the Sandhill Cranes

We can tell you how spectacular the Sandhill Cranes are all day long, but to remain unbiased, hear from people who have experienced the migration for themselves.

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Visitors Guide

Request your FREE Visitors Brochure today and start planning your visit!

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The Sandhill Crane Migration Through Your Eyes

Sandhill Cranes form large flocks while migrating—sometimes up to a quarter of a million birds gather at certain stopover points. While searching for them during migration, listen for their loud rattling call, often heard from a distance. ⁠
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📷: Rick Derevan(rickderevan)/Audubon Photography Awards⁠
Sandhill Cranes taking off
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Sandhill formation!  I love the elegance of the Sandhills..
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Sandhill Crane taken November 20, 2020 in Jackson, Michigan. #sandhillcrane #sandhillcranesofinstagram #your_best_birds #puremichigan #best_birds_of_world #best_birds_of_ig #best_bird_shots #feather_perfection #natgeo #nature #naturephotography #birdsofinstagram #birds #birdphotography #sandhillcranemigration #jacksonmichigan #bestofthegreatlakesstate
Sandhill Cranes.  It always amazes me how close together they can fly!
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Migration is in progress for the Sandhill Cranes. 

These Sandhill’s are stopping to rest @ Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife. 
What a sight to see! Thousands of them dancing, cackling, and socializing with each other 

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