Posted by Reed Bowman on February 28, 2011 at 1:01 PM
Hi all, I've got a meeting in Kearney Nebraska, March 8-14. I'm already booked into the crane blind at Rowe Sanctuary for an evening and a morning, but I wonder where other good shooting areas might be? I'm an ornithologist by profession, but a landscape photographer by avocation so hints on good bird areas and nive landscapes in the area would be appreciated.
Posted by Darren Huski on March 1, 2011 at 8:37 AM
Reed
Have fun in the blinds as I think that is a premier area for cranes. Cannot help with other Nebraska areas other than saying there are some small parks and refuges along the Platte River. Maybe the Kansas folks can offer up some areas in north Kansas that might be drivable.
Have fun on your trip.
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on March 2, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Reed, you will be in prime crane viewing area if you've booked a blind from Rowe.
Once you've exhausted your opportunities around Rowe head east on I-80 to the Alda exit, head south and stop in the Nebraska Nature and Visitors Center (just off the hiway). The Alda exit is about 6 miles west of Grand Island.
They have a walking trail that takes you back to some nice areas adjacent to the Center. A short drive south from the Center and you will come to a bridge spanning the Platte river that has observation platforms on the west side of the road. That area could be good for some sunset shots in the evening and if you are there at dawn there are some good avainscapes to be had shooting east with the cranes lifting off the Platte to feed. Don't stand on the bridge, get down below it for sunrise shots.
Make sure to pick up a free publication called the Prairie Fire. It is a nice reference on how & where to view the cranes. I doubt I'll make it back there this year what with my schedule. Good hunting!
Discussion
2 repliesHave fun in the blinds as I think that is a premier area for cranes. Cannot help with other Nebraska areas other than saying there are some small parks and refuges along the Platte River. Maybe the Kansas folks can offer up some areas in north Kansas that might be drivable.
Have fun on your trip.
Once you've exhausted your opportunities around Rowe head east on I-80 to the Alda exit, head south and stop in the Nebraska Nature and Visitors Center (just off the hiway). The Alda exit is about 6 miles west of Grand Island.
They have a walking trail that takes you back to some nice areas adjacent to the Center. A short drive south from the Center and you will come to a bridge spanning the Platte river that has observation platforms on the west side of the road. That area could be good for some sunset shots in the evening and if you are there at dawn there are some good avainscapes to be had shooting east with the cranes lifting off the Platte to feed. Don't stand on the bridge, get down below it for sunrise shots.
Here's a shot I took from that area last March: http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/ic.cgi?a=vp&pr=143267&CGISESSID=8b80cbdcbcefe91b0f382c11453a7ea0&u=32718
Here's a link to a map of the crane birding area along I-80: http://www.nebraskanature.org/Plan_visit/ACVB_09Map.pdf
Make sure to pick up a free publication called the Prairie Fire. It is a nice reference on how & where to view the cranes. I doubt I'll make it back there this year what with my schedule. Good hunting!