Nebraska's Spring
by Elizabeth Winter
Title
Nebraska's Spring
Artist
Elizabeth Winter
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Sandhill Cranes Migration, Rural Nebraska
It reaches a crescendo in early spring. An overwhelming cacophony of sight and sound. Millions of birds on the wing including 80 percent of the world's population of sandhill cranes in throngs that can darken the sky.
There is no question: The arrival of the cranes on Nebraska's Platte River and the millions of other migratory birds that visit each spring is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the continent. Discover how you can experience this awe-inspiring scene when the birds return to central Nebraska.
Each spring, more than 80 percent of the world's population of sandhill cranes converge on Nebraska's Platte River Valley. Along with them come millions of migrating ducks and geese in the neighboring Rainwater Basin covering the vast expanse of open sky with millions of flapping wings and a chorus of calls.
As they have for centuries, hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes come to the Platte River Valley each spring to rest and restore themselves. During their stop in Nebraska, cranes gain nearly 20 percent of their body weight. Depending on the weather, the cranes begin to appear in late February or early March with the last few birds leaving in early to mid-April.
The shallow braided channels of Nebraska's Platte River provide safe nighttime roost sites. Waste grain in crop fields provides food to build up depleted fat reserves needed for migration. Adjacent wet meadows provide critical nutrients and secluded loafing areas for rest, bathing and courting.
Uploaded
March 29th, 2015
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Viewed 764 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/22/2024 at 12:11 AM
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Comments (49)
HH Photography of Florida
What a wonderful sight. Love the Sandhills. Beautiful capture and treatment. l/fv
Meg Rousher
Awesome, I've never seen so many. Our year round population is about 20 to 30 bird. This is beautiful! ...l/f
Sue Smith
Beautiful light and capture of the Sandhill Crane migration, Elizabeth! I was fortunate to travel through Nebraska during one of their migrations. It was an amazing sight! L/F
Lenore Senior
Gorgeous work with great colors! I've heard of this sandhill migration, but never seen it in person! v/f!!!
Sue Smith
Lovely capture, Elizabeth! I was fortunate to drive across Nebraska at the right time to see the cranes. It's an amazing site! L/F