where to see cranes in nebraska

Nebraska is a state located in the USA’s Great Plains region and is a paradise for bird watchers. One bird that is of particular interest is the crane. Giant and graceful, these birds have a wingspan that can reach up to 8 feet. If you are interested in watching cranes, Nebraska is one of the best places to see them in the USA.

Crane Species Found in Nebraska

There are two kinds of cranes that are found in Nebraska – the Sandhill Cranes and the Whooping Cranes. The Sandhill Cranes are the most commonly found cranes, with their population peaking at over 650,000 in one year. Whereas the Whooping Cranes are the rarest among all of the crane species and were almost close to extinction at one point. Nebraska is the hub of winter feeding sites for the Sandhill cranes, while Whooping Cranes migrate through the state during their fall and spring migration, from and to their breeding sites in Canada and the US Arctic.

Best Places to See Cranes in Nebraska

If you are interested in watching cranes in Nebraska, the best time to do so would be between the months of late February and early April. This is when the Sandhill cranes start arriving in the region. There are several places in Nebraska that are popular with bird enthusiasts, including the Platte River Valley and the Rowe Sanctuary. The Platte River Valley is a 100-mile long stretch of the Platte River where cranes come to feed and frolic during spring migration. The Rowe Sanctuary, situated on the banks of the Platte River, is a great place to watch cranes. They offer observation blinds where you can watch the birds without disturbing them.

Other Attractions for Visitors

Apart from the crane watching, there are several other attractions that visitors can explore in Nebraska. The Chimney Rock National Historic Site is one such attraction. The rock formation is a national landmark and is an important milestone for the pioneers who were heading towards the west. Another attraction is the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. It is a museum that displays fossils of horses, rhinoceroses and camels that roamed in Nebraska over 20 million years ago.

Conclusion

You don’t have to be a bird enthusiast to appreciate the beauty of the cranes in Nebraska. Watching these birds is not just a visual treat but also an important reminder of the need to conserve the environment and its wildlife. If you are ever in the region, do take the time to visit and see these magnificent birds in their natural element.