People come to Central Nebraska from all over the world so they can be a part of the most popular event there — the Sandhill Crane Migration, and while you’re there, enjoy one of the best hotels in Kearney. Roughly 500,000 Sandhill Cranes fly through the Nebraska Platte River Valley on their way up north each year during the spring and fall migrations. 80 percent of the Sandhill Crane population will stop in the Platte River area during the migration.
For tourists, the official “Sandhill Crane Capital of the World” is the city of Kearney, Nebraska. You can be sure to find Kearney hotels specifically ready for visitors interested in bird-watching.
Sandhill Crane Migration Spring Schedule
The Sandhill Crane Migration in the spring in Nebraska will start at the end of February right on the Platte River Valley and make its peak in the middle of March, with the end of the migration happening in mid April. During the migration, the sandhill cranes will stay put in this area in order to “fuel up” for the very long road back up north.
Best Place for Bird Watchers
The Platte River was named by Forbes Magazine as the #1 place in the world for bird watchers to come visit. Sandhill cranes are not the only species to visit the area. There are between 14 and 16 million ducks and geese passing through the area each year on their way up north too.
Cranes will spread out along the Platte River Valley for about three to four weeks getting food to help fuel up for their inevitable long trip back north. During their weeks refueling, the cranes, already weighing about 12 pounds, typically gain about two pounds while visiting the Platte River Valley.
Best Hotels in Kearney
This is an event that happens each year so remember to bring your camera. The view of the Platte River is beautiful and you’ll want photos to remember the day by. It’s recommended to get a tripod to place your camera on while photographing the cranes. They move quickly and you’ll want to make sure you get the shot. The tripod will help makes things easier for you to take the most beautiful photos of the cranes migrating north. Kearney hotels can also point you in the right direction to stores in the area where you can get photography supplies should something break.
The Sandhill Crane Migration during the spring in Nebraska is an annual event that all bird watchers should witness. While booking your trip don’t forget to visit one of the best hotels in Kearney. You’ll be on your feet all day witnessing an amazing thing so you’ll want a hotel nearby. Enjoy a beautiful day of bird watching and return to a relaxing hotel where you can relish in what you just witnessed.
