Stories in Nebraska

March Magic in the Platte River Valley

A large group of more than thirty sandhill cranes takes flight as the sun sets.

Observations from the 2025 Sandhill Crane Migration

April 24, 2025

Seeing the cranes gathering at sunset is a really fantastic experience. The river itself is beautiful, the sunset is spectacular and the cranes are truly amazing to see.

Tour Attendee

The Great Migration (4:56) Sandhill cranes have made the journey to Nebraska's Platte River Valley for millennia. Join The Nature Conservancy's Chris Helzer for an informative, breathtaking look at this incredible species.

A Migration Unlike Any Other

As they have for millennia, hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes visited Nebraska’s Platte River Valley this spring. These ancient birds have existed for at least 2 million years, making them one of the oldest bird species in existence. Known for their unique vocalizations, impressive wingspan and dancing abilities (yes, really!), the sandhill crane is a fascinating species with a storied history in Nebraska and beyond.

This migration season, we welcomed more than 350 guests including TNC supporters, youth groups, elected officials and others to blinds along the river bank where they witnessed the magic up close. Team members Chris Helzer and Kojo Baidoo brought their cameras along, and the content they captured was nothing short of extraordinary. We invite you to explore more through direct quotes from attendees and photos taken throughout the migration.

Watching sandhill cranes at sunrise - Iowa TNC board members. The Nature Conservancy's Platte River Prairies, Nebraska. © Chris Helzer

Sandhill cranes at sunrise. The Nature Conservancy's Platte River Prairies, Nebraska. © Chris Helzer

Arkansas (TNC) board member Becky Wheeler and state director Roger Mangham watching sandhill cranes in a viewing blind at The Nature Conservancy's Platte River Prairies, Nebraska © Chris Helzer

A man in a baseball cap looks through a hole in a bird blind and observes sandhill cranes at sunset. — Cranes on the Platte River Watching migratory sandhill cranes come into their evening roost on the Platte River in the evening. The Nature Conservancy's Platte River Prairies, Nebraska © Chris Helzer

A tremendously intimate experience to observe the beauty of the sandhill crane migration. A great chance to take our time in the blinds, observe the coming and going of the cranes and connect with one another.

Tour Attendee

I think it is so special that we have these special birds fly through our state. Such a gift. I have wanted to do this for years and am so happy that I have finally done it. And I tell everyone to go. It is so memorable.

Tour Attendee

Sandhill cranes gather in shallow water. Three cranes take flight in the air above.

Stand Up for Nature!

Simply put, our work in the Nebraska Sandhills wouldn't be possible without the support of conservationists like you. Our team takes seriously the protection of our great state's lands, waters and wildlife and is able to continue this mission thanks to the generosity of nature-minded individuals and organizations.

Interested in protecting the beauty of the sandhill crane migration for future generations? We want to hear from you! Get in touch with our Development department to learn more about our work in the Sandhills and opportunities to partner. Alternatively, donations in support of our other projects across the state are also greatly appreciated. We're grateful for your interest in and support of Nebraska's wild places.

Support Our Efforts

Protect what you know. Join fellow Nebraskans in conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends! We'd be honored to have your support.

Donate to Nebraska

Explore More

Candid portrait of Chad Bladow, TNC prescribed fire coordinator, standing in a forest.

Saving the Sandhills

Prescribed Fire Coordinator Chad Bladow celebrates his 25th year with The Nature Conservancy. Bladow reflects on his impressive career and current strategies to protect the Sandhill prairies.

Aerial view of dense tropical forest canopy.

Nature Is Common Ground—and Common Sense

The Nature Conservancy remains committed to creating a world where everyone thrives alongside nature for generations to come, protecting and preserving nature.

A herd of bison walk across a grassy, hilly landscape toward the camera.

Resilient and Connected Plains

By protecting our most well-connected and resilient land and water networks in the Great Plains, we can save some of our most important wildlife.