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Sandhill Crane Migration


Always call # confirm
Event# 308-865-5305

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

Address : Ft. Kearny State Historical Park Kearney NE
Phone : 308-865-5305   (Always call and confirm events.)

Admission Fee : Admission charged

Birdwatching

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Rowe Sanctuary

This 1,150 acre wildlife sanctuary is operated by the National Audubon Society to provide habitat for sandhill cranes, whooping cranes and other birds. In March and April, Rowe staff guides groups to four crane viewing blinds (enclosed wooden buildings), which accommodate 16 to 36

Kearney, NE Wildlife Refuges

Kearney 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


Great Platte River Road Archway Monument

The only U.S. attraction to span an interstate highway, the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument is a fantastic link to the past. Its eight stories span a distance where trappers, pioneers, the 49

Kearney, NE Museums

Crane Meadows Nature Center

Crane Meadows Nature Center is a year-round educational organization dedicated to providing an understanding of, and access to, the ecosystems of the Platte River valley. Open daily, with expanded hours during the crane season (8 a.m.-6 p.m.), the center offers sunrise and sunset tours to a 25

Kearney, NE Nature Centers

Things to do near Kearney, NE