Each March and early April, over 20,000 Sandhill Cranes visit a 15 mile portion of the North Platte River between Lake McConaughy and Oshkosh, NE on their way north for nesting season. They roost overnight on the sandbars and islands, and the evening fly-in on the river can often be viewed south of Lewellen. During the day, the cranes feed in cornfields and meadows north of the river. They can generally be spotted from county roads north of HW 92 from Lemoyne to Lewellen. Please be careful not to startle the birds, and remember to be respectful of private property.
Due to habitat diversity, Keith County, Nebraska is considered “the best place in the state and the third best in the country to go birding,” according to noted ornithologist and author Dr. Paul Johnsgard, UNL Professor Emeritus. Our location on the Central Flyway and proximity to large bodies of water add up to ideal conditions for birds.
With the largest bird list in the state, Lake McConaughy is an important viewing area in western Nebraska’s Shortgrass Prairie Ecoregion. More than 340 species have been identified in the area, with over 140 known breeding species and about 200 transients. Spring and fall migration time are especially good opportunities to spot Sandhill cranes, white pelicans, ducks, geese, and shore birds. Check the Lake McConaughy Birding Trails Map and Bird Species Checklist to get started.
(crane photo credit: Teri Elmshaeuser)