Sandhill Crane Migration in Nebraska

^{Photo: University of Nebraska - Lincoln}

Every spring, something amazing happens in Nebraska—half a million sandhill cranes show up along the Platte River.

It’s one of the biggest bird migrations in the world, and it all happens in this narrow stretch of river about 80 miles long.

The cranes are on their way north to places like Canada, Alaska, and even Siberia, but they stop here to rest and eat for a few weeks before continuing the journey.

If you’ve never seen it, it’s hard to describe just how cool it is. During the day, the cranes hang out in nearby fields, digging around for leftover corn and bugs.

Then at sunrise and sunset, thousands of them take off or come back to the river all at once. The sky fills with birds, their wings flapping and those strange, trumpeting calls echoing everywhere.

People from all over come to see it, especially around Kearney, where they’ve set up blinds and tours so you can get a close look without spooking the birds.

Even if you’re not super into birds, watching that many living creatures move together like that is something special.

Explore more:

• See the World's Largest Gathering of Sandhill Cranes (video)

• Sandhill Crane Migration (website)