An undeniable sign of the fall season, the arrival of hundreds – sometimes thousands – of sandhill cranes in Idaho is always an exciting event. These beautiful creatures, boasting a six-foot wingspan and an elegant appearance, travel through the Gem State during both spring and fall migration. Catching the sight of them flying through the area or flocking on the ground is a must for any wildlife enthusiast, so get out there ASAP to see these beauties before they move on.
Keep your eyes to the sky; The sandhill cranes are coming! Every year, certain areas of Idaho are treated to the sight of hundreds of cranes during their seasonal migration, and it's most definitely a sight you can't forget.
Sandhill cranes can be spotted during their migratory route every spring and fall in Idaho. During fall, they typically start to arrive around mid-September and can be viewed in September and October as they make their way south for the winter.
There are several fantastic areas in the Gem State where you can see these majestic cranes for yourself. The Idaho Birding Trail is an excellent place to start if you're looking for that perfect vantage point.
However, you can't go wrong with a visit to Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Located in eastern Idaho about 30 miles outside of Soda Springs, the refuge hosts the largest nesting population of sandhill cranes in the world. Over 200 nesting pairs have been counted in past spring seasons.
During fall, the refuge acts as a "staging area" where the cranes can gather before completing the trip to their wintering areas. During this staging period, the refuge can observe as many as 3,000 cranes at one time. Consider yourself lucky if you catch such a sight!
Grays Lake may be the most reliable destination where you can sandhill cranes, but it's far from the only place. They'll flock to habitats that include wetlands, river basins, prairies, and marshes. The Teton River in the Teton Valley is another well-known spot that hosts a population of sandhill cranes every year.
Sandhill cranes are stunning creatures, especially when seen in abundance in the wild. Get out there soon to see some of these beauties in flight. Or you'll just have to wait until April when they make their way back!
What’s your favorite spot to enjoy watching the migration of sandhill cranes? We’d love to hear your best bird watching tips and destinations in the comments below!
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