on location: midwest ❖
Groups of all kinds, not just hard-core birders, enjoy one of mid-America’s great annual wildlife spectacles
Central Nebraska’s Crane Convention LeisureGroupTravel.com
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undled in layers of thermal clothing, your feet tucked into warm boots, you find yourself shivering in the early-morning darkness inside a quiet wooden shack. As you wrap the fleece blanket tighter around you—your Thermos of coffee and binoculars nearby—you may ask yourself what you are doing in the middle of Nebraska in the pre-dawn of an early spring day. Then, you hear it. It starts slowly—as a quiet roar—and builds to an unimaginable volume. As the sun crawls over the horizon bringing first light, the deafening sound is joined by a breathtaking sight: thousands upon thousands of sandhill cranes waking up, shuffling about and calling out in their plaintive, trilling call. Soon, throngs of the majestic birds take flight, darkening the early morning sky. It is an astounding wildlife spectacle that can only be truly appreciated in person. Each year between late February and mid-April, more than a half million sandhill cranes descend on the Platte River Valley in Central Nebraska to rest and recharge en route to their summer breeding grounds in Canada, Alaska and Siberia. The cranes—a species in existence for more than nine million years— are drawn to the valley’s abundant food and shelter from predators. Feeding on waste corn found in nearby fields, the cranes will gain up to a pound of weight during their stay in Nebraska. It is weight the birds will use to complete the final portion of their northern migration. Without it, the journey would be impossible. During the six-week period, nearly 80 percent of the world’s sandhill crane population passes through the area. In addition to cranes, more than 10 million ducks and geese, majestic bald eagles and possibly the endangered whooping crane migrate through the area. December 2011 35
Wildlife Viewing in Nebraska roups traveling to Nebraska for the sandhill crane migration should seize the opportunity to discover other wildlife and explore the natural beauty of the state. Hundreds of American bald eagles call Nebraska home. Viewing spots include: • Kingsley Dam Eagle Viewing Facility at Lake McConaughy near Ogallala. • Gavin’s Point Dam and Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area near Crofton. • Nebraska Public Power District’s J-2 Hydroplant south of Lexington. For details, visit http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/wildlife/ guides/migration/eagles.asp
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American white pelicans begin returning from their winter feeding grounds along the U.S. Gulf Coast to take up temporary residence at Harlan County Reservoir near Republican City.
on location: midwest ❖ The cranes, in turn, draw thousands of spectators from around the world to experience this amazing scene. A crane tour will likely involve some brushes with wintery weather and probably isn’t for the group that enjoys sleeping in and reading the paper over coffee before starting the day. However, don’t think this trip is only for serious birders. The sandhill crane migration is a chance to marvel at the wonders of nature and can include as much, or as little, birding as a group desires. Begin the tour by heading to Grand Island or Kearney to give your group a bird’s-eye view of this phenomenon. Visitors can observe the largest concentration of cranes during morning or evening blind tours when the cranes are leaving and returning to their river roosts. Morning trips begin before dawn, 36 December 2011
Arrival dates can be as early as late February up through early April. (harlantourism.org/activities_trails/birding.php) Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Oshkosh has the third most documented number of bird species in the country. Observe sharp-tailed grouse on their dancing ground throughout April, while peak songbird migration occurs mid-May. (fws.gov/crescentlake) Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge south of Valentine is home to the Great Plains bison, the black-tailed prairie dog and elk. View wildlife up-close in a drive-through exhibition pasture. (fws.gov/fortniobrara) Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Conservation Park and Safari near Ashland is a fourmile, drive-through exhibit open April through October. Visitors feel like they’re on an actual safari, coming face-to-face with elk, white-tailed deer, bison, pronghorn antelope, wolves and waterfowl. (omahazoo.com/exhibits/wildlife-safari-park) Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center south of Lincoln includes more than 350 plant species and 170 bird species on more than 600 acres of rare, native tall grass prairie, springs, wetlands and ponds. (springcreekprairie.org)
as viewers have to be in the blinds before the sun rises, and evening trips start before sunset. The blinds, unheated wooden structures with rectangular viewing holes, provide panoramic views of large flocks of cranes. The Nebraska Nature & Visitor Center near Grand Island offers guided blind tours, guided sunset tours on its footbridge, an interpretive center, nature trails and a 35-foot-tall observation tower. Your group can also reserve guided blind tours at the Rowe Sanctuary and Iain Nicolson Audubon Center near Kearney. This wildlife sanctuary has exceptional educational displays and an indoor viewing area. Fort Kearny Recreational Area provides a different viewing experience at sunrise or sunset. An old railroad bridge spans the river, allowing you to watch cranes as they fly overhead.
Day-time excursions can be planned and offer the opportunity to see the cranes feeding, preening and dancing in the fields. Avid birders may want to observe the prairie chicken spring courtship rituals. Male prairie chickens, found in the grasslands of Central Nebraska, perform an intriguing courtship display characterized by stomping feet, towering leaps and resonant booming noises. Other travelers may want to learn more about the cranes at any number of art exhibitions, museum displays, events and festivals, including the 42nd annual Rivers and Wildlife Celebration from March 15-18—the nation’s longest running wildlife festival. Some groups may get their fill of birds after viewing the cranes. Fortunately, the area boasts many appealing attractions. Visit Grand Island to experience pioneer life at the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, which includes an 1890s railroad town. Grand Island has a variety of art galleries, specialty stores and interesting restaurants such as Sin City—where the burgers are sinful. Fort Kearny State Historical Park, a good place for crane viewing, appeals to military history buffs. Located on the
The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer preserves Nebraska’s past. LeisureGroupTravel.com
site of an Oregon Trail that housed Pony Express and stagecoach stations, it features a recreated stockade with parade ground, sod blacksmith shop and powder magazine. Be sure to schedule a stop at Kearney’s Great Platte River Road Archway, the only tourist attraction in the nation located over a federal interstate highway. The Archway commemorates westward expansion of America, including the West’s original American Indian habitants; the Mormon, Oregon, and California Trails; the early pioneers; the modern railroad; and the Lincoln Highway. Kearney is also home to the Museum of Nebraska Art. The museum’s permanent collection includes more than 5,000 works by artists of regional, national and international importance. Your group might consider a side trip
Great Platte River Road Archway chronicles America’s trek westward.
Dream. The museum also boasts the largest whooping crane display in the United Sates. As you plan a tour, keep in mind that the sandhill crane migration is more than a tourist attraction; it is also essential to the birds’ survival. Bird watchers must take particular care not to disrupt the cranes during the critical layover in Nebraska. Cranes can’t tolerate human contact, so they shouldn’t be approached. So pack your warmest boots, your winter gear, your camera and your spirit for adventure as you prepare to experience one of the world’s natural wonders unfolding in Central Nebraska. LGT
to the Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History, where visitors can learn the story of the birth of one of America’s favorite soft drinks in the interactive exhibit Kool-Aid: Discover the
REDISCOVER THE
IN NEBRASKA, YOU CAN RECAPTURE
Obtain Nebraska visitor guides and itineraries – and contact groupfriendly suppliers directly – at leisuregrouptravel.com/instant-info
ROAD TRIP.
7JTJU/FCSBTLB HPW r 888-444-1867, Dept. 2LGA
the magic of road trips past. And with all this history to experience, you’ll be inspired to relive great memories—and even make some new ones.
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