THIS TRIP IS NOW FULL
Witness one of the greatest migration spectacles occurring on the planet. Each year, from late February through late March, 600,000 to 750,000 Sandhill Cranes migrate through a 60-mile stretch of the Platte River between Grand Island and Kearney, Nebraska. These cranes are joined by amazing flocks of Snow Geese, Greater White-fronted Geese, Canada Geese, various ducks, and the remnant population of Whooping Cranes on their way to northern breeding areas.
Basic itinerary below. A more detailed version will be provided upon registration.
March 18 (Tuesday) Springfield, Illinois to Council Bluffs, Iowa
Depart at noon and arrive at approximately 7:00 p.m. where we will have dinner.
March 19 (Wednesday) Council Bluffs, Iowa to Kearney, Nebraska
Begin with birding the Missouri River bottoms near Council Bluffs before we continue towards Kearney, Nebraska. Attend a 3:00 p.m. public program at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary, “The Secret Lives of Cranes: In Context” cohosted by Illinois Audubon Society. After dinner, we will enter blinds to view cranes and waterfowl coming in for their evening roost.
March 20 (Thursday) Kearney, Nebraska to Springfield, Illinois
Enter blinds before sunrise at the Crane Trust near Grand Island to observe birds leaving their overnight roost. We will be in the blinds 2-3 hours. Afterwards, we will visit harvested corn fields nearby to observe cranes and other birds before starting the return trip to Springfield. We anticipate arriving at approximately 5:00 p.m. with lunch along the way.
Trip Leaders: Matt Hayes and Brian ‘Fox’ Ellis
Cost of trip includes transportation, lodging, meals (alcohol not covered), snacks, and water
Maximum Field Trip Capacity: 10
Cost: Single occupancy $505
Double occupancy $800