Additionally, a series of walking
trails run through 240 acres of prairie
and river habitats. Along one of the
trails is a 35-foot observation tower
offering expansive views of the valley
and twin footbridges along the river.
Two new cabins draw folks from
around the country and nation to spend
the night and enjoy the blinds.
In 2014, 42 genetically pure bison
were relocated to the Trust from
Crawford. Researchers will study the
effect the bison have on the landscape
in comparison to the cattle that grazed
the land before, and will observe the
integration of bison and cranes.
Each year, between 25,000 and
30,000 people from all 50 states and
50 different countries visit the Trust,
which continues to find creative ways
to increase visitors both during and
outside of spring migration. For more
information on the Trust, including
hours throughout the year, visit
Cranetrust.org.
Buffalo Bill Ranch
State Historical Park
and State Recreation
Area
For visitors wanting less-crowded
viewing opportunities, the North Platte
area is a great place to observe cranes.
Biologists estimate 160,000 cranes use
the river valley between North Platte
and Sutherland each season.
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Recreation
Area in North Platte offers two
blinds for birders. The first blind is a
renovated horse trailer in a meadow
fitted with Plexiglas windows and
seats. This blind holds 15 people and is
available on a first-come, first-served
basis at no charge. The second blind
is located along the river a short hike
from a nature trail connected to the
state recreation area campground.
Visit Outdoornebraska.org and click
on Parks for more information ■
Unguided tours at crane
viewing locations, such as the
Kearney Bridge, give viewers
the ability to do activities on
individual timelines.
MARCH 2015 • NEBRASKAland 51
If you're looking for new
places to venture during
migration season, first take a
look at Martin's Reach Wildlife
Management Area near Wood
River.
You may need waders to
access this area, but your walk
will be less than one third of a
mile in. Located by the Platte
River, this could be your own
private viewing locale.
There are no blinds, but you
may have the place to yourself
to watch thousands of cranes
return to this major roost.
Also, ride gravel roads
adjacent to Interstate 80 to
see cranes feeding and loafing
in fields and meadows. You
might find your own private
spot a stone's throw from
everyone else.
Other Crane
Viewing Hotspots
Visit NEBRASKAland's crane
central to view maps, links and
photos.
V
c
p
PHOTO
BY
ERIC
FOWLER
