The spring migration of Sandhill Cranes through central Nebraska is one of nature’s greatest spectacles. From late February through early April some 600,000 cranes will pass through this area, stopping for a few weeks to rest and recover along the Platte river. It’s an ancient route of passage.
The cranes are returning from winter grounds in the southern US, and Mexico, and heading to nesting locations throughout the northern US, Canada, Alaska, and even Siberia. Along that lengthy route they need certain places to safely roost and find ample foods supplies and so the shallow Platte allows for nightly roosting protection, and the nearby picked grain fields are a haven for hungry cranes.
I have visited the Rowe Sanctuary blinds for the last few years and have enjoyed every minute of it, despite the fog, rain, freezing drizzle and often cold temperatures. The cranes don’t care about the weather so why should I?
On this particular morning it was very foggy early. Eventually though things lightened up and visibility improved. Many cranes leave pretty early but some stick around and jump and dance, and occasionally strut around like the big bird that they are…and in this case, a young crane is getting a lesson in how to do it right.