March 2008: I spent 4 days photographing Sandhill Cranes (and a few other birds!) along the Platte River in Nebraska. Each year, the Platte River between Grand Island and Kearney plays host to the largest gathering of Sandhill Cranes in the world. It is estimated that approximately 500,000 cranes make a "pit stop" on the Platte River to rest and refuel before continuing their annual migration north for the summer.

This small stretch of the river is critical habitat needed by the cranes because of its shallow depth, multitude of sandbars which provide safe roosting at night and plentiful food via countless nearby farm fields. During the day, the cranes disperse into the surrounding farm fields to feed on waste grains and any other food they may find. Each evening, the cranes start to make their way back to the river. They roost for the night along the river on the sandbars, which provide needed protection from predators. At sunrise the next morning, they disperse once again to feed for the day.

The cranes spend about a month resting and feeding along the Platte, generally from early March to early April, then continue on their way north. Mid-march is generally considered to be the peak week for the birds, which is when I was there. I was told by staff at the Rowe Sanctuary near Kearney (http://www.rowesanctuary.org) that there were approximately 300,000 cranes in the area during my visit. This gathering on the Platte is one of nature's great wonders and if you have the chance to experience it, you will never forget it.

I also shot some video clips of the birds, which can be viewed by clicking on this link: Nebraska Cranes - Videos