1999 Sandhill Crane Migration Update
Crane Staging Area in Platte Valley
1999 Update
Late March
Very Pleasant weather continues in the central Platte region. Crane population has peaked and
viewing conditions are excellent..
Early March
Pleasant weather continues in the central Platte region. Crane population is continuing
increase. Peak population and concetration for this year are still expected by mid-to-late March.
Mid February
Mild weather continues. Migration started earlier than usually leading to unusually
high numbers cranes for this time of year. The Platte River is unfrozen, so cranes
are using their traditional overnight habitat.
Normally, the first cranes arrive in mid-February. Crane numbers peak in
mid-to-late March. All Sandhill Cranes continue north to nesting areas by
mid-April.
Crane numbers are increasing, but are still low. Very warm temperatures
in early Feburary, combined with generally southern winds,
increased migration activity.
Early February
A very pleasant and mild January has lead to early sightings of sandhills
cranes, though not in significant numbers.
migration information of 1998
migration information of 1997
migration information of 1996