Sherburne NWR: Crane Country
November refuge for Sandhills
As our planet is increasing altered by development, having sanctuaries for birds and wildlife to rest, feed and breed is more critical than ever. The National Wildlife System has a network of 588 such places for nature throughout the United States. And as a bonus, these places can be magical to visit.
Today’s wildlife refuge of note is Sherburne located in central Minnesota near the town of Princeton. It is 30,700 acres of various habitats including oak savanna, prairie areas, wetlands and forest. It is an important migratory stop on the Mississippi Flyway and serves as a breeding site for Trumpeter Swans, Bald Eagles and Red-headed Woodpeckers.
Like many refuges, Sherburne has a designated auto trail that allows you to see parts of the area by car. Its seven-mile drive covers marsh and prairie areas that allow for good views of birds.
When this visit was photographed in early November, it coincided with huge gatherings of migratory Greater Sandhill Cranes. The cranes feed during the day out in the farm fields and at sunset head back to the wetlands of Sherburne refuge to safely roost. The number of visiting cranes is impressive - here was this year’s count:
Sandhill Crane Survey Results:
10/11/2023: 7,655 sandhill cranes
10/18/2023: 9,401 sandhill cranes
10/24/2023: 12,063 sandhill cranes
11/1/2023: 17,979 sandhill cranes
11/8/2023: 15,886 sandhill cranes (final count)
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