Some things are so perfectly natural that you can set your watch by them; daylight, nighttime, the coming and going of seasons, the comings and goings of the tides… those kinds of things. Here in the Hoosier State, we’re treated to a “special event,” so to speak, starring Mother Nature and her fascinating timing. Year in and year out, the Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area in Medaryville is treated to front-row seats to one of the most incredible bird migrations in North America! This is THE place to observe the annual sandhill crane migration in Indiana.
It’s one of the coolest natural spectacles of the entire year, and here it is in our backyard.
David Wilson/Flickr
Typically beginning in early to mid-October, you’ll see these beautiful birds start to arrive in droves.
Mark Moschell/Flickr It’s not a brief affair, either - the migration occurs until at least mid-December, so there’s plenty of time to check it out.
Your best bet for seeing the highest number of these birds is by visiting the Area in or around late November.
Anna Hesser/Flickr Each year, an approximate count of just how many sandhill cranes come through is taken weekly. At peak times, it’s not unusual to see 25,000 or more cranes all gathered together at Jasper-Pulaski (and throughout other nearby areas in Indiana).
The two best times of day to watch the cranes are sunrise and sunset.
David Wilson/Flickr When they leave the roost for the day and when they return for the night are both ridiculously magical things to witness. Make sure to bring your best zoom lens for this one, because although they’re used to humans watching them, they still do not allow people to get too close.
Come multiple times throughout migration season and simply watch these gorgeous feathered friends of ours go about their daily lives.
Mark Moschell/Flickr You’ll find that each bird has its own personality and charm, and all of them are on full display during migration season. They’re immensely fascinating creatures, and we can’t help but marvel at just how lucky we Hoosiers are that these guys have chosen our home state as one of their home bases.
Folks interested in optimal viewing points during crane season will be interested in this map.
Jeff Bryant/Flickr Crane spotting at Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area is a popular activity, especially during peak days and weeks, so make sure to plan accordingly. It may be a good idea to visit during the middle of the week instead of on busy weekends.
There’s a special magic about watching a migration, and how lucky are we that this one is ours!
Jim Pater/Flickr
What do you think? Have you ever taken the time to watch the amazing sandhill crane migration in Indiana? Isn’t it just magical? Tell us your favorite stories in the comments. If you have an idea for an article or future feature, let us know by filling out this form. We love to hear from you!
David Wilson/Flickr
Mark Moschell/Flickr
It’s not a brief affair, either - the migration occurs until at least mid-December, so there’s plenty of time to check it out.
Anna Hesser/Flickr
Each year, an approximate count of just how many sandhill cranes come through is taken weekly. At peak times, it’s not unusual to see 25,000 or more cranes all gathered together at Jasper-Pulaski (and throughout other nearby areas in Indiana).
When they leave the roost for the day and when they return for the night are both ridiculously magical things to witness. Make sure to bring your best zoom lens for this one, because although they’re used to humans watching them, they still do not allow people to get too close.
You’ll find that each bird has its own personality and charm, and all of them are on full display during migration season. They’re immensely fascinating creatures, and we can’t help but marvel at just how lucky we Hoosiers are that these guys have chosen our home state as one of their home bases.
Jeff Bryant/Flickr
Crane spotting at Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area is a popular activity, especially during peak days and weeks, so make sure to plan accordingly. It may be a good idea to visit during the middle of the week instead of on busy weekends.
Jim Pater/Flickr
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Address: Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area, 5822 Fish and Wildlife Ln, Medaryville, IN 47957, USA
