A quick trip to the Platte River crane alley near Grand Island on April 1, 2020 showed virtually no visitors as the blinds and sanctuaries were closed.
However, there were still plenty of cranes to view for Delaney and Ella who ventured out early on that morning. Cranes were found on the fields and the girls had time to enjoy their ritual dances following a beautiful sunrise that graced the Platte River valley.
The Sandhills Cranes migration is an annual 6-week event that attracts visitors from all over the state, nation and world. The bird was once on the endangered species list, but through conservation efforts, there are now close to one million.
“It’s cool to be one of the few areas where 90% of the Sandhills Cranes are,” said Kristin Carder, digital media manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The birds spread out all over North America after congregating densely in Nebraska for around six weeks.
“You can look forward to it no matter what the situation. People can still drive by them and see them in safety. It’s a special phenomena to witness,” she said.
Video and photos by Jennifer Knight, except where mentioned.
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