NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/644631
MARCH 2016 • NEBRASKAland 29 It was simply a testament to the power that these wonders of nature can have on a person, regardless of age: when we allow ourselves to be lost in nature, an entirely new level of existence occurs. I have, over and over again, seen the response that accompanies the looks of people who have seen the sandhill cranes for the first time. That squint-your-eyes, shake-your-head astonishment that accompanies these moments that quite often ends with the statement: "I've never seen anything like it." My 6-year-old was having that same moment, staring up during the last light at silhouettes in the sky that seemingly meant more than just silhouettes in the sky. We were part of something larger that afternoon, and it didn't take a grown-up to realize it. As the light faded entirely, we ate crackers and candy, washed it down with mom-approved water, settled into our sleeping bags and, by red light only, read a couple of books before fading off to sleep as the sounds of sandhill crane voices outside our blind did not. The next morning, I looked out one of the portals and whispered back to Madeline. "You got to see this." We both peered out a moment later and were welcomed by cranes not 30 yards in front of us. They were everywhere – had covered everything in front and to the west of us. Minutes later, I began photographing again, and did so for the next two hours until nearly every bird had left the water to begin their day of feeding and socializing. Shortly after, we saw a truck in the distance and kn ew our pick-up would be arriving soon. We gathered our gear and waited. Then we waited a bit longer because of all the equipment our counterparts had brought. As soon as the truck arrived and the doors opened, one of the strangers got out and, without even a hello, said, "They were right in front of you, weren't they?" "Yep," I replied, as he shook his head and thought about an evening lost as I thought about my evening, with my little girl, won. And at this point, one could easily argue that I should have been the better man the day before, should have shared my knowledge of these birds so that these gentlemen could, in fact, have had the greatest chance at having birds right in front of them by morning's light. Yet every time I ponder this option, I re-play those four little words I heard from my daughter the night before, and come to the conclusion that not one part of me would ever change a single thing about my decision. Ever. ■ Sandhill Crane Viewing Etiquette Crane watching etiquette follows some very common- sense, yet worth repeating, guidelines that we should all keep in mind next time we're seeing this spring phenomena. If viewing at a public blind destination, such as Rowe Sanctuary or the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center, pay attention to your guides, and also adhere to these rules: - No flash photography or flashlights. - Dress for cool weather. Because of unpredictable weather, the Crane Trust suggests preparing for weather 20 degrees less than the temperature is predicted to be. - Minimize your noise, both from talking and your cell phones. If viewing from other public locations, the Kearney Visitors Bureau includes these tips: - Do not stop on major (paved) roadways, driveways or any other private road. - When viewing birds from a gravel road, please pull as far off the road as possible and use your emergency flashers. - Do not attempt to approach the birds. Stay in your car for the best viewing opportunities. For more information on sandhill crane viewing etiquette, as well as facts about cranes, videos, and viewing locations, visit Cranetrust.org, Rowesanctuary.org and Visitkearney.org.