Photograph the Annual Sandhill Crane Migration

This isn't your standard hiking/camping excursion, though it is a sight and sound of nature that you'll never forget. Every year, between 12,000 and 15,000 people from around the globe travel to Nebraska to witness this extraordinary event. Even if you don't consider yourself a photographer, simply waiting in the blinds and quietly witnessing the arrival of thousands upon thousands of Sandhill Cranes is an unforgettable experience.

To register for a viewing spot, you can make an online reservation via The Nature Conservancy's Derr House Prairie at https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/11pkxc46/10. Guided viewing blind tours are set up to get you as close to the cranes as possible without disturbing them. Meet-up location is at the Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center (9325 S Alda Rd, Wood River, NE 68883). Viewings are scheduled daily during March and early April, and last from about 2 to 2 and 1/2 hours led by trained guides.

MORNING TOURS:March 1-March 12 / 5:00-7:30 a.m. / $25March 13-April 3 / 6:00-8:30 a.m. / $35

EVENING TOURS:March 1-March 12 / 5:00-7:30 p.m. / $25March 13-April 3 / 6:00-8:30 p.m. / $35

Walking distances to the viewing blinds range from 1/4 to 1/2 miles from the meet-up Center, over relatively level terrain (it's Nebraska!), with a portion of the walk occurring during very low light conditions (well before sunrise & well after sunset). The viewing blinds are wooden structures with carpeted floors that hold up to 32 people. They offer shelter from wind, rain, and snow, but are not heated and will be as cold as or colder than it is outside.