Back to the Platte River 

The cranes have arrived in town

By: Addie Fay

As February comes to an end, the Sandhill Cranes make their appearance in Nebraska. Approximately 600,000 Sandhill Cranes will appear near the Platte River valley and stay until April. Kearney is known as the Sandhill Crane Capital of the World, but Grand Island and North Platte also see a fair share of the bird. 

Sandhill Cranes fly from their wintering grounds in the south with a stop in Nebraska to fuel up for about 8 weeks before they continue on their journey north toward Alaska, Canada, and Serbia. 

Cranes, which have become one of the state’s biggest tourist attractions, are a big deal to some people who travel thousands of miles to see the large birds. Many crane watchers book blinds or tours to get an up-close look at the Sandhill Cranes. 

“I live close to the Platte River which is where the sandhill cranes migrate, therefore I’ve seen them each February, and every time they come, I can tell spring is around the corner, that’s why I cherish seeing them,” says sophomore Kayla Kennedy. 

Although there are many Sandhill Crane lovers, there are also people who strongly dislike them. Junior Brylee Shafer, is one of those people. 

“While some people are fascinated with Sandhill Cranes, I just don’t understand the hype about them,” Shafer says. 

The Sandhill Crane is the most common crane species, making up about 80% of the crane population. Their feathers are mostly gray, but sometimes they have a reddish-brown appearance from rubbing mud on their bodies to clean them. 

The best location to view the birds is at Fort Kearny State Recreational Area. Crane watchers usually look for the birds at sunrise and sunset, because they look for food throughout the day. Though COVID has affected many opportunities to see the sandhill cranes. Spectators are able to experience a few at Rowe Sanctuary, near Gibbon. The Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center, in Hall County, is only allowing virtual tours this year to safely view the cranes. Crane watchers are still able to use their walking trails to possibly sight a bird on your own.