Platte River Crane Experience

About the migration

Sandhill cranes are among the oldest living species on the planet, and their epic migration through the Platte River Valley in central Nebraska each spring is one of the great wildlife experiences on Earth. In fact, it is the largest gathering of cranes anywhere in the world.

For roughly six weeks between February and April, more than a half million cranes descend to the Platte River Valley to seek refuge, rest and refuel. The Platte is their way station on a several-thousand-mile journey between wintering grounds in the southern US and Mexico and remote breeding grounds in Canada, Alaska and Siberia. It is a migratory pathway they have taken at least since the end of the last Ice Age.

What we will do

This class will provide opportunities to observe and photograph Sandhill cranes on the Platte River as the cranes come back to roost for the evening, and again when they leave at first light in the morning.

The class will be accompanied by a guide who will lead us to and from the blinds. In the evening, we will arrive at the blind about two hours before sunset and will not leave until dark. In the morning, we will be in the blind an hour before sunrise, and we will not leave until the birds have left the river or we are escorted out by our guide. During our time, we also will learn more about the Platte River Valley, its conservation history and the wildlife it supports.

On our way to and from Lincoln, there will also be opportunities to observe these birds and other migrating waterfowl from county roads while they are feeding on waste grain left over in crop fields from the previous fall harvest and in prairie grasslands and wetlands.

What the challenges are

Photographing cranes in Nebraska's Platte Valley is a very different experience than photographing cranes in other areas of the U.S. This migrating crane population is legally hunted in every state and province along their migratory pathway except Nebraska. When these cranes arrive they are skittish and do not tolerate human presence unless you are in a blind or a vehicle. And while there are many protected areas for cranes and other wildlife along the Platte, central Nebraska is not wilderness but the countryside with a robust agricultural economy and mostly in private ownership. Respect for cranes and for private property is paramount.

Finally, the cranes' location changes daily, dictated by weather, water levels and disturbance. In March, you can have 10,000 birds outside your blind one morning, or you can have none. It can be 80 degrees and shirt sleeves one day, and 15 degrees and a blizzard the next. Together, this makes photographing these birds very challenging but also very rewarding. If you accept whatever the day gives you, it is always a magical experience.

What to bring

Clothing: Nebraska weather in March can change in an instant, so you will want to stay both warm and dry. Bring layers with both wind and water protection, warm boots, gloves or mittens with liners and warm headwear. Check the local weather forecast the day before you leave and adjust your packing accordingly. **Because birds have keen eyesight, dark and/or mid-tone coats, hats and gloves are preferred.

Equipment: You will need to bring equipment appropriate to your selected role. For photographers, long telephoto zoom lenses that can reach out to the 400-800mm range are a must to have the chance to fill the frame with cranes. If you don’t have a long lens, bring a mid-range telephoto zoom that you can handhold within the 80-400mm range. Bring a sturdy tripod that will hold your long lens, and a cable release to trigger the camera during longer exposures. Finally, bring a wide angle lens will allow you to capture a sense of place and skies full of birds. 

Miscellaneous: Bring a red-filtered flashlight or headlamp. If you don’t have a red filtered light, red filter paper and a rubber band wrapped over the light work just fine.