(Editor’s note: the following article was submitted by the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.)

Over five thousand sandhill cranes are staging at the refuge, taking a rest along their southerly migration route. More cranes are arriving daily, and from mid-October to early November the refuge hosts large numbers of these prehistoric birds as they roost overnight in refuge wetlands and then fly out to area croplands to forage during the day. The peak number of cranes observed in one day typically exceeds 10,000 individuals and is a sight to behold!

The best time of day to view the cranes is dawn or dusk when the cranes are leaving or returning to their roost sites. For those who aren’t early risers, driving the county roads throughout the day to scout for groups of cranes in recently harvested farm fields is another option. A sandhill crane viewing brochure with a map and information about the best crane viewing areas is available at the refuge website, fws.gov/refuge/sherburne/.

With this year’s drier conditions, the cranes’ overnight roosts are more spread out across the refuge’s wetlands, providing unique sunrise and sunset viewing opportunities! Like in past years, the Co. Rd. 70 parking lot on the refuge’s northern boundary yields large groups flying overhead out to nearby farmlands. New for this year, cranes can be spotted in groups along the Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive, especially between mile 3.5 and 4. Up for an adventure? Walk 3⁄4 mile from the A6 parking lot to Durgin Pool to be treated with sandhill cranes, along with ducks, swans and grebes. Find the numbered parking lots on the refuge’s hunting brochure – note that blaze orange or blaze pink is recommended for this viewing option.

Want to learn more about Minnesota’s tallest bird? Watch recorded versions of the live progra.m.s hosted last fall, with one highlighting the behaviors and history of the staging population and the other focusing on the life history of cranes. Both of these videos are available at Facebook.com/sherburnerefugefans/videos/ (Sandhills at Sherburne: A Fall Phenomenon and Sandhills at Sherburne: From Colt to Crane).

Crane Info for Refuge Visitors

This year, the refuge and the Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge are hosting “Sandhill Stations” to help orient visitors to the best places to see the cranes. Visitors will be provided with directions and maps, plus have the ability to ask any crane questions that come to mind. Sandhill Stations will be set up at the Bur Oak Welcome Station (first stop) on the Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive on the following dates and times: Fridays, October 22 and 29, 4:00-6:00 p.m.; Saturdays, October 23 and 30, 7:30-9:30 a.m..

For field guides, special crane merchandise and apparel – including cozy winter hats and upcycled mittens – visit the Eagle’s Nest Nature Store. The Oak Savanna Learning Center location is open every Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (16797 289th Ave NW, Zimmerman). For online shopping, go to SherburneEaglesNestStore.com.

Online Sandhill Salute Fundraiser

Sandhill cranes are already gathering at the refuge before they make their way south in their own unique way. To honor these amazing birds and raise funds to support the refuge, the Friends of Sherburne are hosting Sandhill Salute and anyone is invited to donate an “award” to their favorite category of sandhill crane talents!

From a gift in the “dance” category for $25 to an homage to “greater” sandhill cranes that visit the refuge for $500, a donation to this pretend award ceremony is a real opportunity to support the refuge and the Friends in a year when the usual live events and fundraising opportunities have once again been cancelled.

Award show swag? Yes, a contribution of $25 or more will not only start or extend a Friends of Sherburne membership, but through the end of October donors will also receive a custom-designed Sandhill Salute bandana as a thank you!

Donations support the refuge in providing education to children in nature’s classroom, furnishing information and facilities for refuge visitors, supporting expanded online opportunities to learn about the refuge and ensuring that future refuge events remain free and open to all.

Check out all the fun and GIVE NOW at www.Give.Classy.org/SandhillSalute