• CRANE MIGRATION
  • The Great Gathering Place
  • The Central Flyway
  • Nebraska's Platte River
  • What Others Say
  • Crane Events
• CRANE VIEWING
  • Viewing Areas
    • Self Tours
    • Guided Tours
    • Book A Blind
  • Viewing Etiquette
  • What to Expect
• Crane Facts
  • Vital Statistics
  • Photo Gallery
• Rainwater Basin
  • What's a Rainwater Basin?
  • Birds of the Basin
  • Rainwater Basin Viewing Areas
• Other Wildlife
  • Prairie Chickens
  • Bald Eagle
  • Prairie Dog
  • Other Birds
  • Other Wildlife
  • Wildlife Calendar
  • Bird Checklist
• Visitor Info
  • Lodging Information
  • Crane Events
  • While You're Here
• Contact
  • Request Information
  • Share a Photo/Comment
• Media
  • Media Contact
  • News Releases
  • News Clips
  • Need a Hi-Res Photo?

Here’s what others have said about their experience along Nebraska Platte River valley during the spring migration:

My daughters and I started coming out to Nebraska for the Cranes a few years ago. We had no idea what an intense experience it would be. Now we're hooked and we have returned every year. It's become a Rite of Spring, the warmer temps, Red-winged Blackbirds, and the Cranes. Magical.

- Eve
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"My son and I made the early morning trip to view the cranes and it was unlike anything I had ever experienced. We got to a viewing area before sunrise and at dawn when the birds began to take flight the sight and sound was amazing. The sky became black with birds and the sound was at least the level of a football stadium. It truly was more amazing than I could ever have imagined. Since that time we have started to make it a tradition that we look forward to each year."

- Donna
Omaha, Nebraska

"It was a great night for viewing on March 13, 2008.  When we got to the blind a little before sunset, there were already quite a few thousand snow geese giving us a show to the west of the blind.  Then the real show started when the Cranes began to come in to roost for the night.  Everytime Cranes would land there would be a large thunder coming from the snow geese rising up off the river to allow room for the Cranes.  This happened several times and the noise was almost definning each time the snows took off and moved a little farther down river.  The experience is more than just a visual!  It hits all senses and that is what makes this so amazing year after year.  And I have been coming here since I was a young boy, 50 some years ago!  I never lose interest and each time is a new experience."

- Thomas
Raymond, Nebraska

I'm headed for the Platte Valley to volunteer at Rowe Sanctuary. This will be my 8th year to spend two weeks helping with the Sanctuary gift shop, leading crane tours and whatever else needs to be done.  Stop and visit us while you are in the valley.

- Carolyn
Bassett, Nebraska

Wings over the Prairie - by Ted Tedeschi, NaturalTraveler.com

Were you thrilled with the cranes and other wildlife? Click here to share your own memories and experiences.