If you need another reason to know that spring is here, then the annual Sandhill Crane migration is another wonderful way to tell that summer is on its way. Every spring, these gorgeous birds fly north from their winter homes. Keep your eyes peeled in early to mid-May for the arrival of the Sandhill Cranes at their nesting grounds.
Every year the Sandhill Crane migration arrives at their breeding grounds in early to mid-May.
Spondylolithesis via E+ Collection / Getty Images The appearance of these birds heralds the coming of warmer weather. They are a welcome sight to see after a long Alaskan winter.
The Sandhill Crane flies in “V” formations, flying very high in the sky.
Spondylolithesis via E+ Collection / Getty Images They travel primarily during the day, and only like to fly during nicer weather. They have been known to fly up to 350 miles per day in their travels!
The group of birds that fly up to interior Alaska each spring has their winter nesting grounds in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
ElementalImaging via E+ Collection / Getty Images The cranes that summer on the Alaska Peninsula, and the Cook Inlet region, winter in central California. They are two distinct groups, and the larger group stays in the interior of the state while the smaller resides in southeast Alaska.
In the Tanana Valley, during peak migration, you’ll see up to 50,000 birds per day.
skibreck via E+ Collection / Getty Images Altogether during May through September, some 200,000 Sandhill Cranes will fly through this area! The smaller group will total almost 20,000 cranes that visit Southeast Alaska from central California.
These birds arrive at their summer breeding grounds in Alaska and begin to nest.
pchoui via E+ Collection / Getty Images They love tundra, wetlands, and the muskegs that Alaska is known for. Their nests are modest, shallow depressions in the ground, usually filled with 2-3 eggs per nest.
This species is known for their mating “dance,” a display filled with skips, hops, and bows.
ElementalImaging via E+ Collection / Getty Images They love to eat frogs, insects, seeds, berries, and even occasional seafood. Alaska is the perfect place for these lovely birds to summer.
Take some time this spring to go sight seeing to watch these beautiful birds arrive.
Tyler D. Rickenbach / Getty Images Whether you’re watching them in the Copper River Delta, or in the Tanana Valley, you won’t regret a day of sight seeing some of Alaska’s largest birds.
Have you ever witnessed the sandhill crane migration? What did you think? Where did you spot them? Let us know in the comments below!
Spondylolithesis via E+ Collection / Getty Images
The appearance of these birds heralds the coming of warmer weather. They are a welcome sight to see after a long Alaskan winter.
They travel primarily during the day, and only like to fly during nicer weather. They have been known to fly up to 350 miles per day in their travels!
ElementalImaging via E+ Collection / Getty Images
The cranes that summer on the Alaska Peninsula, and the Cook Inlet region, winter in central California. They are two distinct groups, and the larger group stays in the interior of the state while the smaller resides in southeast Alaska.
skibreck via E+ Collection / Getty Images
Altogether during May through September, some 200,000 Sandhill Cranes will fly through this area! The smaller group will total almost 20,000 cranes that visit Southeast Alaska from central California.
pchoui via E+ Collection / Getty Images
They love tundra, wetlands, and the muskegs that Alaska is known for. Their nests are modest, shallow depressions in the ground, usually filled with 2-3 eggs per nest.
They love to eat frogs, insects, seeds, berries, and even occasional seafood. Alaska is the perfect place for these lovely birds to summer.
Tyler D. Rickenbach / Getty Images
Whether you’re watching them in the Copper River Delta, or in the Tanana Valley, you won’t regret a day of sight seeing some of Alaska’s largest birds.
If you’re looking for spots to see some amazing birds this spring, then you need to read about The 7 Birding Hotspots In Alaska You Need To Visit This Spring.
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