One of the greatest wildlife spectacles in North America, this gathering of cranes is the largest in the world.

Duration: Approximately 3 Hours

Cost: $120 per person

About

Rowe Sanctuary offers guided photography tours to view the spectacular concentrations of Sandhill Cranes on their overnight river roosts. We offer morning photography tours to view cranes leaving the river at sunrise or evening photography tours to view cranes returning to the river at sunset.

Crane viewing takes place at our Discovery Station, which is designed to minimize human disturbance of the Sandhill Cranes while offering the best possible viewing for visitors. It is located ½ mile walk from our Visitor’s Center. Guests should be able to walk a half mile, carrying their own gear. Each Discovery Station has a warming room attached and a port-a-potty is available nearby.

Because the tour involves wildlife, each experience is different. Discovery Stations are located close to historical crane roosts; however, we cannot control the bird’s behavior. The viewing distance to the cranes will vary each day and night depending on where birds decide to roost. Viewing from the Discovery Station is the best possible chance to see this phenomenon up close! Regardless of roosting selection, cranes will be flying overhead and our tours consistently provide a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the world’s largest gathering of cranes.

Accessibility information: All Discovery Stations have the following accommodations:

• Accessible by a ramp

• Open air, but have closable windows

• Limited golf cart spots are available on a first-come basis.

Photography Policy:

• Use of flash photography is not allowed to minimize disturbance to cranes.

• Participants may use tripods and continuous shooting mode.

• Objects (i.e., camera lens) must not extend beyond the window sill of the discovery station.

• Tablets are not permitted and cell phones must be placed on airplane mode. Camera LCD screens must be dimmed. Auto focus lights should be turned off if possible.

• Small red flashlights are permitted. No headlamps allowed.

• Rowe Sanctuary reserves the right to ban use of any device determined to be a nuisance.

What to Wear

The following are strongly recommended:

• The warmest dark coat and clothing you have, including long underwear

• Warm footwear

• Wool or synthetic socks (avoid cotton)

• Very warm gloves or mittens

• Stocking cap or insulated hat

• Dress in layers - Dark clothing please

What to Bring

• Binoculars

• Dark clothing please

• Warm drinks & water bottle

Programming Considerations

Please be aware that ALL of our current programming is subject to change.

All tours will be cancelled and refunds given when the National Weather Service issues a hazardous Weather Warning.

Cancellations are refundable until two weeks prior to experience start date. Refunds are subject to a 5% cancellation fee.

Location:

All tours begin at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center, at 44450 Elm Island Road, Gibbon, NE 68840.