Sandhill Crane Migration
Event Details
Every spring, the Platte River Valley is filled with visitors, both the human and the bird varieties.
Almost 500,000 sandhill cranes, or 90 percent of the world's population of the birds, migrate through the region, and people from all over the world come to view the spectacular animals.
At approximately 3 l/2 feet tall and with an almost-6-foot wing span, anyone who has seen the annual crane "convention" can tell you the cranes are a must-see. The wide, shallow Platte is a perfect resting spot for cranes. Every night at sundown, thousands of cranes roost in the river, spending the night standing in the water where they are safe from predators. Then, as the sun rises, they fly back to the fields to feed during the day.
Cranes, one of the oldest known bird species alive, have been stopping on the Platte River for thousands of years, since the last ice age formed the Platte, researchers believe. Sandhill cranes mate for life. The pair flies the same path every year from their nesting grounds in Canada, Alaska and Siberia to their wintering spots in Texas and New Mexico.
Ft. Kearney State Historical Park. Open daily 9am - 5pm for information on sandhill crane migration, viewing areas, etc.
Sandhill Crane Migration
Phone : 308-865-5305 (Always call and confirm events.)
Birdwatching
Attractions and Upcoming Events
Kearney United States Post Office
Completed in 1911, the Post Office Building is a fine example of the Neo-Classical Revival style. It was designed by James Knox Taylor. Taylor's education and early practice was in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1897 he became the supervising architect of the U.S. Treasury.
Kearney, NE Historic BuildingsMuseum of Nebraska Art
The Museum of Nebraska Art houses the state's only collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints created solely by Nebraskans or artists concerned with Nebraska as the subject. Enjoy quality invitational and traveling exhibits as well as creative exhibits of the museum'
Kearney, NE MuseumsFort Kearny State Recreation Area
Campers will find south-central Nebraska's Fort Kearny State Recreation Area much to their liking. Once called Kearney County SRA, this recreational area boasts excellent camping facilities. The attractive 152-acre area was acquired by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in 1960
Kearney, NE State Recreation AreasKearney Golf
Buffalo Ridge Golf Course - 2,960-yard, par 36, nine-hole public course on gently rolling hills northeast of Kearney. Open year round with rental carts and clubs. Green fees: Weekdays - $13.00; Weekends - $15.00. 7005 Avenue N 308-271-3233 Meadowlark Hills Golf Course - 6,485-yard, par 70, 1
Kearney, NE Golf Courses