It was a little early in the season for peak activity, but we still had a great time. I don't think I captured the perfect shot I was looking for but it was a tremendous experience watching and photographing and I will return in my quest for the perfect shot. These photos demonstrate the changing quality of light with some photos taken before sunrise, at sunrise, and for a couple of hours after sunrise.

The Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary is along the Platte River in Nebraska about 20 miles from Kearney, Nebraska. It is estimated that 80% of the world’s sandhill cranes migrate through the Platte River Basin in Nebraska. The Rowe Sanctuary is located right on the river and has daytime viewing blinds and also has 4 overnight blinds for observing and photographing cranes. We spent 2 nights in the overnight blinds. The blinds are 6 X 8 X 4 made of plywood with 4 viewing ports that can be closed. Each blind holds 2 people. The Center personnel drop you off at the blinds at 5 PM and pick you up around 10 AM. You can’t leave the blind and are given a small red flashlight and a bucket. It was amazing to witness the cranes flying in and out and to be so close to them. A great experience but not the greatest photography opportunity. The angle of view is very limited and the birds come in late and may leave very early.