Nebraska Bird Partnership

Normally, we're anxiously anticipating the arrival of sandhill cranes at this time of year.  The small flock of wintering sandhill cranes may have thrown off our biological clocks, but not the timing of celebrations scheduled during traditional March crane season.  Crane enthusiasts and birders from outside central Nebraska should consider renting a room, because March will be filled with events and activities.

Naturally you can book a crane blind tour with The Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center or Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary any time, but you may want to coordinate your visit with these other opportunities:

Michael Forsberg will be the Saturday evening keynote speaker at the 42nd Annual Rivers and Wildlife Celebration, March 15-18th.  Other guests will be humorist and writer Al Batt, and Nebraska's own Dr. Paul Johnsgard.  The family-friendly Wild Experience room returns with live raptors from Raptor Recovery Nebraska and a special kid-friendly presentation from Al Batt.

The following weekend will feature the highlight of the Nebraska's Big Year event series with the arrival of Greg Miller.  Greg, the birder featured in the Mark Obmascik book "The Big Year" and inspiration for Jack Black's character in the movie of the same name, will be here March 21-24.  Central Nebraskans and visitors will have multiple opportunities to engage with Greg, including a movie screening and discussion, birding trip, and talks by Greg about his experiences.  With the exception of the birding trip, all other events with Greg are free.

Greg's weekend will overlap with that of George Archibald, Director of the International Crane Foundation, at The Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center.  George's talk on March 25th is free.

Bluebirds Across Nebraska is piggybacking on cranes for their annual conference this year, hosting the Great Plains Sandhill Crane & Bluebird Festival March 22-25 in Kearney.

Kearney and area communities are embracing their role in celebrating spring migration with a new community-based Crane Watch Festival which will include a parade, the Crane Lego Challenge, and more.

And not to forget that cranes are only one of many species migrating through central Nebraska in the spring, Harlan County is building on the success of last year's first-ever White Pelican Watch and Homecoming Celebration with more activities and events in 2012, especially during March 23-31.

Visitors to the region can get more wildlife viewing and travel information at nebraskaflyway.com.