Sandhill Crane Migration Lands, Sara Geake reports

NE Nature & Visitor Center Dir. Brad Mellema on Sandhill Cranes

The annual migration of sandhill cranes and tourists to Nebraska has begun.

Officials say the first wave of cranes arrived with good numbers, but the weather is making it tough for both birds and people.

It's the rain that's keeping the Goodridges-here from New Hampshire to view the sandhill cranes-indoors.

"Because of the cold weather and the rain you don't spend much time outside. You spend more time inside and in the car," said Ron.

"The weather's been a little bit overcast and rainy, and when it's been good weather visitation has been strong," said Nebraska Nature and Visitor Center Director Brad Mellema.

People from across the United States and even Canada have already come to view the cranes, who may also be effected by the rain and rising Platte River.

"They like a sand bar that's surrounded completely by water so they'll shift and change a little bit," said Mellema. "Sometimes they get a little smaller and so they'll bunch in a bit tighter to find those things or they'll spread out to other habitats in the region."

Mellema says the birds have been adapting for centuries, and they likely already have this year because of below-normal temperatures.

"The cranes basically look for these nice southerly breezes and they're looking for open water, and all that's here now," said Mellema. "The cranes will start to come in, so it may hold them up for a day or two but it's not a significant barrier to the cranes."

Mellema says even if the cranes are late they will stay for three weeks, which could lead to a larger build up of cranes in the next few weeks.

The Nebraska Nature and Visitor Center kicks off a schedule of events and speakers this weekend. For more information, click on the links below.