Sandhill Crane Migration at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge

Thousands of sandhill cranes will soon stage at the refuge, taking a rest along their southerly
migration route. From mid-October to early November the refuge hosts large numbers of
these prehistoric birds as they roost overnight in refuge wetlands and then spend the daytime 
foraging on harvested croplands nearby. The peak number of cranes observed in one day 
typically occurs during the last week of October and has exceeded 20,000 birds in past years!
This year, the cranes may be harder to find due to reduced water levels and the late warm 
weather. However, we still expect to see thousands on and around the refuge!

If you would like to visit the refuge to see the cranes, the best time is dawn or dusk when the 
cranes are leaving or returning to their roost sites. If you’re not an early riser, during the day 
you can scout for groups of cranes in recently harvested farm fields by driving the county 
roads north and west of the refuge. A sandhill crane viewing brochure with a map and 
information about the best crane viewing areas is available at the Friends of Sherburne 
website, ExploreSherburne.org. Like in past years, the County Road 70 parking lot on the 
refuge’s northern boundary (18941 22 St, Princeton, MN 55371) yields large groups flying 
overhead to nearby farmlands at dawn and dusk.

Beginning October 17, crane enthusiastic volunteers will be stationed at the County Road 70 
parking lot from 3-5pm every Saturday and Sunday for the rest of October and November 1. 
These volunteers can answer your crane questions while you experience the evening 
spectacle of birds flying in to roost for the evening. You’re bound to have a beautiful backdrop 
with fall colors and the sunset, too! 

Want to learn more about Minnesota’s tallest bird? Watch recorded live programs about the 
behaviors, life, and history of cranes on the refuge at the Friends of Sherburne YouTube 
page, youtube.com/@friendsofsherburnenwr311/videos (Sandhills at Sherburne: A Fall 
Phenomenon and Sandhills at Sherburne: From Colt to Crane).

Friends of Sherburne NWR Host Annual Online Sandhill Celebration Fundraiser

Just because the water levels are down doesn’t mean the cranes aren’t flying through this 
year! Sandhill cranes rely on protected wetlands managed on the refuge and education 
programs to teach others about their journe