LINCOLN, NEB. (March 3, 2008)—One of the great spectacles of the natural world – the migration of 650,000 Sandhill cranes – has begun. From March through mid-April, these birds from ancient lineage will fill the skies over central Nebraska. By day, the huge grey clouds of birds forage over and on Nebraska cropland. Come dusk, they swoop into the Platte River valley, where they roost for the night.

"This migration has been occurring for tens of thousands of years and is truly an amazing sight to witness," said Bill Taddicken, director of the Audubon Society's Rowe Sanctuary east of Kearney. "For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts in general, this is definitely a must-see event."

Bird enthusiasts from around the United States marvel at the sights and sounds of the migration. Sandhill cranes leap and flap in mating dances as they feast in the fields on insect larvae and corn left from the fall harvest. The birds are resting and recharging as they anticipate the climax of their long flight from Mexico and the southern United States to summer nesting areas in Alaska, northern Canada and Siberia. In all, 80 percent of the world's Sandhill cranes migrate through central Nebraska.

Crane watching doesn't require a lot of specialized equipment, but visitors, whether hiking or just observing, need to dress warmly. Layering is a good strategy to preserve body heat on the hike-bike trail and in viewing blinds, and don't forget warm headwear, socks, boots and gloves or mittens.

There are lots of opportunities to see the cranes: roadside parking sites, hike and bike trails and viewing sites and blinds at wildlife sanctuaries.

At Wings Over the Platte Nature Center, there will be a morning and evening blind tour for $30 per person. Wings Over the Platte also has a bridge tour, which is $8 per person. GROW Nebraska will run a gift shop at the center selling Nebraska products, and there will be a coffee and snack bar open in the center as well. The center is open from March to April for tours. For more information, go online to visitgrandisland.com/page/251/.

The Ian Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary will also have both morning and evening viewings. Rowe’s blinds are fully enclosed structures that hold 26 to 32 people each. A field trip is $25 per person and prepayment is required. For the serious nature photographer, Rowe also offers photo blinds set close to the crane roost sites. Blinds are available for $150 a night; maximum capacity is two people. For more details, call 308-468-5282, or visit rowesanctuary.org.

Other sites to observe cranes include:

• Ft. KearnyState Recreation Area has an observation bridge north of the campground at the northeast corner of the group camping area.
  
• At the Interstate 80 and Alda Road exit, viewers can drive south of the interstate about half to three-quarters of a mile where they will find an observation bridge.
  
• During the day, travelers can observe, from their vehicles, the cranes while they’re feeding in the fields.
  
• In North Platte, viewers can see some cranes, though not in as great of numbers. A few thousand normally travel through the area.
  
• In Oshkosh, a large group of cranes migrate through. Bentley Birding Tours offers a guided crane tour where viewers can also see shorebirds, prairie chicken and short tailed grouse. For more information call Don Bentley at 308-772-3926.
  

• At 17 Ranch, west of Lewellen, travelers can view cranes, stay at the ranch for the weekend and visit the 17 Ranch Winery. For information contact Bruce and Ellen Burdick at 308-778-5543, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
  

• Birders can check out the Nebraska Birding Trails Web site for other private and public sites for bird viewing across the state during the migration season. Find more information at nebraskabirdingtrails.com.

Sandhill crane fast facts:

• 650,000 cranes visit the central Nebraska flyway each spring
• Sandhill cranes have grey feathers, are 3 to 4 feet tall, have a wingspan of six feet and weigh 8 to 12 pounds
• Cranes fly 170 to 450 miles per day at a speed of 38 miles per hour
• Mating begins at 3 to 4 years of age
• Female cranes lay two eggs each year
• The average Sandhill crane lives 20 to 40 years

For more information on Nebraska Tourism, or to order your free 2009 Nebraska Travel Guide, check out VisitNebraska.gov, your one-stop shop for Nebraska travel.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Sarah Baker at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3797, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ###