Join us for a free, behind-the-gates tour with the potential to see thousands of staging sandhill cranes flying overhead as they leave roost sites on refuge pools. Registration is required, and we have spotting scopes and binoculars available for you to borrow.
The program starts at the Oak Savanna Learning Center with an indoor presentation about sandhill cranes. After the presentation, we will drive in a convoy to the crane spotting site, where you can watch the cranes for about an hour. During the driving portion of the tour, we will invite participants to carpool with other participants or refuge team members so that there are only 12 vehicles on the tour. The tour concludes with a drive through the refuge, ending back at the Learning Center. Restrooms and water fountains are only available at the Learning Center, and there will be no access to these facilities once we leave.
Since we are observing wildlife in their natural habitat, every tour offers a unique experience. The sandhill crane viewing area we visit is near a crane roosting area, but we can't predict exactly where the birds will be. The distance to the cranes can change daily based on where they decide to roost. Regardless of where the cranes choose to roost, these tours give you the best chance to see these magnificent birds up close!
Most of the program is held outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Any cancellation notice will be communicated on the Friends Facebook Page, the refuge website and via email to registered participants.
Registration Information:
Registration opens on Tuesday, September 16th at 8 am CST. Registration is required and limited to decrease human disturbance on sandhill cranes. To register for this program, please fill out the online form or email sherburne@fws.gov. We request that you only register for one tour date to give others a chance to view these spectacular birds!
Information Needed At Time of Registration:
- Preferred tour date
- First and Last Name
- Number of spots being reserved, up to 5
Phone number
Please Note: You will receive an email confirming you are registered or on a waitlist within 3 business days after submission. Reminder emails will be sent out one week before the tour. You must show us the reminder or confirmation email on the morning of the tour to check in.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for special accommodation to Refuge Headquarters: 763‐389‐3323, sherburne@fws.gov, or TTY 800‐877‐8339 two weeks before the event.