Ticket sales are now open for this year’s great Sandhill Crane Migration at Rowe Sanctuary in Gibbon, NE.  

Here in Wyoming, we are just a few hours away from this annual migration spectacle that has taken place for millions of years along the Platte River.  Just east of us, Central Nebraska is the epicenter of Sandhill Crane migration, drawing thousands of tourists to communities like Gibbon, Grand Island, and Kearney NE each spring.  Tours start in March and run through early April.  Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure not to miss this opportunity if you plan on viewing.  Crane numbers generally peak during mid to late March.  

Whether you purchase tickets or not, thousands of cranes may be viewed feeding in cornfields throughout the area during the day, and opportunities to view them along the Platte River are available each morning and evening.  The Sandhill Cranes return to the shallow bars of the Platte River each evening to roost, leaving again at dawn to feed in the area.  A lucky few might even see a Whooping Crane; often found flying with the Sandhills as they stop over in Central Nebraska to rest and refuel. 

Can’t make it there in person?  No problem!  Rowe Sanctuary has a free “Crane Cam” powered by EXPLORE.org that allows you to view the migration from the comfort of your home.  Remember to view at dawn and dusk to see thousands of cranes on the Platte River. 

Another opportunity to see the Sandhill Cranes will happen closer to home in late March when CHPAS schedules their annual guided field trip to Table Mountain near Torrington, WY.  More about this trip in future posts.  

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Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary: https://rowe.audubon.org/

Rowe Sanctuary “Crane Cam”: https://explore.org/livecams/national-audubon-society/crane-camera