Nebraska’s annual spring migration of sandhill cranes, one of nature’s most spectacular events, concluded without any signs of a bird flu outbreak, alleviating fears that the large gathering could become a superspreader event for the highly contagious H5N1 strain. A record-breaking 738,000 cranes were estimated to have stopped along the Platte River, though officials note this number is likely an undercount. The Crane Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting these birds, conducted aerial surveys to track the migration. Despite concerns after 1,000 cranes died from H5N1 in Indiana earlier this year, Nebraska’s flock showed no signs of illness as they continued their journey north.
The cranes have been visiting this 80-mile stretch of the Platte River for millions of years, drawn by the shallow waters and open spaces that provide safety from predators. The Crane Trust helps maintain the river’s condition, ensuring it remains wide and free of excessive vegetation so the cranes can roost in six to eight inches of water at night. While the cranes once relied on natural food sources, they now also feed on leftover corn from nearby farms.
Standing three to four feet tall with distinctive red crowns and rattling calls, sandhill cranes are one of only two crane species in North America. Their migration is staggered over weeks, with peak numbers creating an unforgettable spectacle. Experts emphasize the uniqueness of this event, with Marcos Stoltzfus of the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center calling it “nothing else like it in the world.” This year’s record-breaking numbers and the absence of bird flu made it a particularly celebratory season for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
