Sandhill Crane
Latin: Antigone canadensis
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Our plans for the upcoming crane season
Sandhill Cranes. Photo: Richard Derevan
Every March, over a million Sandhill Cranes converge on the Platte River Valley in central Nebraska to fuel up before continuing north to their nesting grounds. Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary is at the heart of this magnificent crane staging area.
Rowe Sanctuary offers daily guided tours at sunrise and sunset to view the spectacular concentrations of Sandhill Cranes on their river roosts from new discovery stations strategically placed along the Platte River close to Sandhill Crane roosts.
Multiple viewing opportunities are available for nature enthusiasts, bird lovers, and photographers to witness this historic migration.
Rowe Sanctuary has began taking reservations for its guided crane viewing opportunities. Reservations may be made online or by calling 308-468-5282.
Be sure to review the crane tour guidelines here.
Guided Crane Viewing Experience:
Guided Crane Photography Experience:
Overnight Photography Experience:
Held daily this workshop will teach participants about basic crane behaviors and provide information on cranes to help enhance your viewing experience in our blinds. Know what to look for and become a crane behavior translator! Get the most out of your crane viewing experience with Crane Behavior Basics.
March 7, 14, 21, 28, and April 4
Enjoy the cranes from the comfort and warmth of your own home with the virtual crane tour. For more information, visit rowe.audubon.org/events.
Please be aware that ALL of our current programming is subject to change.
We will be evaluating local conditions throughout the crane migration in order to determine the extent that Rowe Sanctuary’s public events and crane viewing opportunities can take place. The safety of our staff, volunteers, and guests are the utmost priority.We will be working with our local health department, Two Rivers Public Health Department, the state of Nebraska and the National Audubon Society as guidance on our safety procedures during the 2022 Crane Season. Please realize all tours are subject to cancellation and refunds will be available if Covid-19 safety precautions change our scheduling.
Learn the basics about the majestic Sandhill Cranes that migrate through the Platte River in Nebraska each spring.
Rowe Sanctuary hosts tens of thousands of sandhill cranes each spring. Watch it here!
Keep checking back for crane season updates or subscribe to our eNews!
Volunteers are critical to the operations at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary. Take a look at our volunteer opportunities and consider joining this incredible team.
Your generous support helps to ensure that Sandhill Cranes and other wildlife that depend on the Platte River will have this wonderful resource for years to come.
Our gift shop has a wide variety of items and your purchase supports our conservation efforts along the Platte River in south-central Nebraska.
