Every year in central Nebraska USA, from late February to early April, a spectacle of nature occurs. It is happening NOW – as of this post. Earthlings are graced by the presence of four to six hundred THOUSAND Sandhill cranes, as they pause their migration and stop there on their way north. It is nothing short of magical…
As a Location Scout, it isn’t work. For me personally, the trip is a retreat. All devices are turned off, and soon the time seems to slow. Cool, crisp breathable air refreshes the soul. The vast open sky gifts you an aerial canvas of panoramic clouds and top-ten sunsets and sunrises over a braided river. Needless to say, this is a cinematography dream.
Certainly if you have the slightest interest in birds, do add this trip to your bucket list. You have no excuse for being too far away. People come from other countries to experience this, yet sadly there are many Nebraskans who have never been… Here are a few pro-tips: Time between sunrise and sunset is spent traveling along the country roads. Pull over to a safe place away from traffic (stay in your car!) and enjoy them as they gather in cut-corn fields, eating and socializing, and flying from field to field. Watch for the crane dance, when they jump and frolic and call.
Along the way, stop at the two sanctuary locations. Get educated, meet the incredible volunteers, visit the restroom, buy retail and snacks from the gift shop. You can book crane blind watches here too. Personally, I am partial to the Rowe Sanctuary but the other is The Crane Trust.
Many of you know, beyond my personal retreat to see the cranes, I have been developing a screenplay that is set in this place during this time – for many years. As years passed, friends would tell me to write the book version of the story. So I did.
Fauna’s Thread the BOOK is now available on Amazon as Paperback and Kindle.
There is still hope of making a movie or series about it one day, so stay tuned. For now, plan a visit. Just go. Read my book. Then go again. Breathe, see, listen, embrace – enjoy. Stay safe.
Nebraska Film & Photography Locations 