Loading
  
Sandhill Cranes
Kearney - Sandhill Crane Capital of the World

Experience ...
the Sights and Sounds of Sandhill Crane Migration

PRESS RELEASE:  Platte River, Nebraska Named Top Wildlife Watching Spots 2011

CRANE ARTICLES

Every year during March and early April, over 500,000 sandhill cranes converge on the Platte River valley in order to ‘fuel up’ before resuming their northward migration. 
In 2012, the Kearney area will launch the inaugural Crane Watch Festival...10 days of fun-filled education, family activities, entertainment and community wide events taking place in Kearney, Minden and Gibbon, Nebraska.  Click here for more information and a schedule of events.

Crane Viewing Etiquette

View Rowe's live CRANE CAM.

Crane Video coutresy of Huntrex Digital Productions

Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary offers guided trips to view sandhill cranes from observation blinds on the banks of the Platte River as well as conducting blind tours twice daily during the migration. 

Crane viewing can also be done on your own at the Hike/Bike Bridge located at Fort Kearny State Recreational Area.  The old railroad bridge spans across the river and is the perfect place to stop after visiting the Historical Park.  The bridge is 300 yards from the parking area and offers great views of the river anytime of the day.

Click here to view the 2012 Kearney Crane Watch Brochure 
 
                                   

Click here to view the 2012 Rowe Sanctuary Brochure

For more information on the crane migration and other migratory birds visit NebraskaFlyway.com.                              
                                                                          

Sandhill Cranes Facts
The spring migration population of sandhill cranes in the Central Nebraska Flyway is estimated at 650,000.

Height -- 3 to 4 feet
Wingspan -- 6 feet
Weight -- 8 to 12 pounds
Color -- Gray
Migration -- 170 to 450 miles/day
Flight Speed -- 38 mph     
Mating -- Begins at age 3 to 4
Eggs -- 20 to 40 years
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area   Map this place View on map

308-865-5305
1020 V Road
Kearney, NE 68847

Click here for more information

More info Here...
  Fort Kearny State Historical Park
Rowe Sanctuary & Iain Nicolson Audubon Center   Map this place View on map

308-468-5282
44450 Elm Island Rd
Gibbon, NE 68840
http://www.rowesanctuary.org/