Although it feels almost treason-like to momentarily hold my tongue and write a blog unrelated to the war being waged on science and truth in the US, the annual crane-fest is as good a reason as any to distract oneself with nature’s wonders.
The sandhill cranes at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary
It’s been over a decade since I last drove out west, about 2.5 h from Omaha, Nebraska, to view the spectacle of ~500,000 sandhill cranes congregating along the Platte River to feed, rest and bulk up before continuing their annual spring migration to the great white north.
During the day, these cranes feed on leftover corn from the harvest of the many farms in the area, but each night, they collect along the river, and eco-tourists (like me) can reserve a spot in a protected “blind” and view this incredible scene.
On the other hand, each morning (5 or 6 am), we can also reserve a spot at the blind to watch as the cranes noisily awake and begin their typical “lift-off” to head for the fields to feed.
Need I say more? Take a look and take a listen! (click on the last photo to see a short movie or try this you-tube link https://youtu.be/IYP32K49nm0 …)
