Located between Grand Island and Kearney, Nebraska, The Nature Conservancy's Platte River Prairies are a chain of grasslands and wetlands that are managed for biological diversity. The Conservancy owns ten tracts of land totaling 4,981 acres along the Platte River, and has four easements on 2,816 more. We've restored about 1,500 acres of cropland to high-diversity prairie in an effort to enlarge and reconnect fragments of native prairie - and now we manage them with a combination of prescribed fire and grazing.

The stretch of the Platte River known as the Big Bend Reach is the most important migratory bird area along the United States portion of the Central Flyway of North America. The Platte and its adjacent wet meadows in the Big Bend region provide habitat for millions of migratory birds including some 500,000 Sandhill cranes and millions of ducks and geese. It is an important stopover location for migrating whooping cranes during the spring and fall migration. The area is also very important for threatened and endangered species such as the bald eagle, interior least tern, piping plover and many grassland bird species.

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  • "This was one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had. I have traveled to all seven continents and all 50 states. The birds and the shared experiences during this Naturalist Journeys trip brought joy to my heart in a new and special way. I am grateful to Kent and Randy Skaggs and to my lovely travel companions for their knowledge, sweet spirits, and delightful ways." — 2023 Traveler
  • "Unexpectedly amazing! I couldn't believe the amount of birds, specifically cranes, we saw. I learned a lot about them and about that area. Everything, from hotels to food to companionship, was great." — Lillian LaFrance, 2023 Traveler
  • "I'm probably not a birder but I loved this experience, my fellow travelers were delightful, and the cranes were astonishing! I can't stop telling people about this trip!" — Anne McIntosh, 2023 Traveler
  • "Amazing, adventurous, a bit challenging, and so full of joy to see the cranes. Superb guides, great group, exquisite country. Not to be missed in your life." — Marcia Pauly, 2023 Traveler
  • "From a birder's perspective, it was a wonderful journey in terms of trip leaders, accommodations, food, and the interest the leaders showed in terms of taking us to all the places where we had maximum opportunity to view a variety of species." — Robert Davis

Tour Highlights

  • Opt to visit Lauritzen Gardens or the famous Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha on arrival
  • Visit Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, a world famous zoo with a strong conservation mission
  • Immerse yourself at The Nature Conservancy’s Niobrara Valley Preserve, one of the largest TNC preserves in the country
  • Experience hundreds of thousands of Sandhill Crane as they roost, feed, and sing along the Platte River
  • Witness a “crane rise” at dawn as clouds of cranes awake with a cacophony of sound
  • Enjoy the crane spectacle from The Conservancy’s private blinds, tucked on the edge of the Platte River
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Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Sun., Mar. 22     Arrivals in Omaha

Welcome to Nebraska! Arrive in Omaha today, no later than 5:00 PM. Those arriving early will have a chance to visit the local Lauritzen Gardens or the famous Joslyn Art Museum depending on weather and your interests. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner, followed by remarks by local TNC staff who update us on current work in Nebraska with wetland and prairie initiatives. Meet your fellow traveling companions, host, and expert naturalist guides.
Overnight at Courtyard by Marriot Downtown, Omaha (D)

Mon., Mar. 23      Omaha Zoo | Ord

This morning, experience Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, a world famous zoo with a strong conservation mission. From here, head west, passing through agricultural lands dotted by woodlands associated with the scenic North Loup River. Welcome to the matchless Sandhills region of Nebraska! Simple and comfortable, enjoy some rural American hospitality at the local Cobblestone Inn & Suites and dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Overnight at Cobblestone Inn, Ord (B,L,D)

Tues., Mar. 24      Valentine | Niobrara Valley Preserve

This morning we depart from Ord, heading northwest to Valentine, making our way to the Niobrara Valley. In Valentine, we enjoy lunch and check in to our hotel before heading to the Niobrara Valley Preserve for a presentation with local TNC staff to learn about the work done here. 

The Nature Conservancy’s Niobrara Valley Preserve is one of the largest TNC preserves in the country, and a model for grassland management using bison, cattle and fire. We enjoy a presentation from staff that touches upon the Conservancy’s prescribed fire work, work on the Upper Elkhorn watershed, and Sandhills conservation efforts. 

Weather permitting, we enjoy an optional hike. We end the day with a Bison burger cookout and sunset social to take in a plains sunset from a high point overlooking the Niobrara River and the Norden Chute.
Overnight in The Niobrara Lodge in Valentine, NE (B,L,D)

Wed., Mar. 25     Full Day at Niobrara 

For the birders in the group, we have an optional early morning Sharp-tailed Grouse field trip to see these impressive birds displaying on lek.* 

The morning kicks off with a presentation by the Niobrara Valley Preserve’s Stewardship manager about the Conservancy’s work with bison before we head out on a bison tour. We tour the preserve’s east bison pasture, over 12,000 acres of beautiful Sandhills prairie. The group gets up close with bison and explores the world’s largest and most intact temperate grassland. 

We enjoy lunch at the preserve’s headquarters and learn about the Conservancy’s work with Indigenous partners, followed by a leisurely stroll along our hiking trails reaching some high point vistas.
Overnight in The Niobrara Lodge in Valentine, NE (B,L,D)

*Limited to 6 participants. Please let us know at sign up if you would like to participate. 

Thurs., Mar. 26    Platte River Prairies

Breakfast is at the hotel, then we head south to Grand Island for lunch and an early check-in at the hotel. This leaves us time for a fabulous evening at the Derr House. Here we start with a tour of TNC’s Platte River Prairies operations, including a demonstration of how we process native seed for our high diversity prairie restoration efforts. TNC Nebraska’s Director of Science, Chris Helzer, will accompany us on a prairie walk and deliver remarks on the beauty and complexity of prairies. After the walk, warm up with tea and hot chocolate. 

The Conservancy has three different crane viewing blinds we want you to experience. We enjoy an early catered dinner at the Derr House and a presentation about TNC’s Sandhill Crane conservation efforts. Afterwards, we walk to the Conservancy’s private blinds tucked on the edge of the Platte River. We will be in place before birds start to come in to roost, then watch as huge numbers pack into the river’s sand islands. Sunset colors illuminate the beauty of this epic wildlife spectacle.
Overnight at Candlewood, Grand Island, NE (B,L,D)

Fri., Mar. 27    Crane Rise | Platte River Prairies

In the early morning hours, we experience our first “Crane Rise” from a private viewing from blinds at TNC’s Platte River Prairies. Pre-dawn crane music turns into a crescendo of wake-up calls as the cranes awaken and leave their riverine roost sites. Witness the “gray sandbar islands” of the Platte River turn into clouds of Sandhill Cranes leaving their roost sites.The sight and sounds on any morning are something to behold. Return to the cozy ambiance of TNC’s Derr House on the preserve; over a catered brunch, learn more about the biology and conservation of Sandhill Cranes and other species along Nebraska’s Platte River system. This afternoon you can choose to relax, or to learn about the early settlers of the Great Plains at the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, one of Grand Island’s top attractions. Dinner is at a favorite local restaurant.

Our own early birds can enjoy an optional guided morning drive to watch behaviors and interactions of the cranes at their feeding sites.
Overnight at Candlewood, Grand Island, NE (B,L,D)

Sat., Mar. 28     Departures

After breakfast, we pack up our luggage and head back to Omaha, a two-and-a-half-hour drive. Please book your flights no earlier than 12pm. (B)

 

  • Birding Nebraska, Platte River, Bird watching Nebraska, Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Sandhill Cranes

    Platte River Scenic by Rick Weiman

  • Birding Nebraska, Platte River, Bird watching Nebraska, Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Sandhill Cranes

    Red-bellied Woodpecker

  • Birding Nebraska, Platte River, Bird watching Nebraska, Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Sandhill Cranes

    Sandhill Cranes by Yvonne Hunter

  • Birding Nebraska, Platte River, Bird watching Nebraska, Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Sandhill Cranes

    Group Birding by Kent Skaggs

  • Birding Nebraska, Platte River, Bird watching Nebraska, Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Sandhill Cranes

    American Beaver by Kent Skaggs

  • Birding Nebraska, Platte River, Bird watching Nebraska, Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Sandhill Cranes

    School Bus Bird Blind by Kent Skaggs

  • Birding Nebraska, Platte River, Bird watching Nebraska, Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Sandhill Cranes

    Northern Pintail

  • Birding Nebraska, Platte River, Bird watching Nebraska, Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Sandhill Cranes

    Platte River Scenic by Kent Skaggs

  • Nebraska, Platte River, Platte River Nature Tour, Sandhill Crane Nature Tour, Platte River Birding Tour, Naturalist Journeys
  • Birding Nebraska, Platte River, Bird watching Nebraska, Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Sandhill Cranes

    Northern Shoveler

  • Birding Nebraska, Platte River, Bird watching Nebraska, Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Sandhill Cranes

    American Kestrel

  • Birding Nebraska, Platte River, Bird watching Nebraska, Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Sandhill Cranes

    Sandhill Cranes by Ed Chu

  • Birding Nebraska, Platte River, Bird watching Nebraska, Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Sandhill Cranes

    Group Birding by Kent Skaggs

  • Birding Nebraska, Platte River, Bird watching Nebraska, Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Sandhill Cranes

    Sandhill Cranes by Kent Skaggs

  • Birding Nebraska, Platte River, Bird watching Nebraska, Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Sandhill Cranes

    Greater Yellowlegs by Kent Skaggs

  • Birding Nebraska, Platte River, Bird watching Nebraska, Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Sandhill Cranes

    Pied-billed Grebe

Cost of the Journey

Cost of the journey is $3990 DBL / $4870 SGL per person based on occupancy, from Omaha, Nebraska.

Cost includes: all accommodations; all meals as stated in the itinerary; group airport transfers; ground transportation; professional guide services; park, preserve, and other activity fees; and miscellaneous program expenses.

Tour price does not include: round trip airfare to and from Omaha, Nebraska, or items of a personal nature such as laundry, porterage, telephone charges, or alcoholic beverages. Gratuities for your guides and other staff are not included; these are at your discretion, but highly appreciated and recommended.

If you would like to participate in the Grouse Lek field trip on March 25, please let us know at time of deposit. This is limited to 6 participants. 

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival & Departure Airport: Omaha Eppley Airfield (OMA)

Arrival Details: Plan to arrive March 22, 2026, no later than 5:00 PM

Departure Details: Plan March 28, 2026 flights leaving after 12:00 PM from Omaha Eppley Airfield (OMA) 

Hotel Recommendations: If you are arrving early and want to stay in the same hotel as the tour the Downtown Courtyard is a great hotel.  

Travel Tip: 

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

Nebraska

Platte River

  • Rick Weiman

    Rick lives in Oakland, NJ with his wife Patricia and two adult children, Jack and Annabel. Rick has led birding trips for a number of years as a volunteer for various local nonprofits, and for Oakland residents in his town's 40-acre Great Oak Park. For over 30 years he has counted birds on annual big days to raise dollars for endangered species recovery efforts in his home state. His passion for conservation started during his college years at Rutgers where he majored in Biology, and he has been a trustee of the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ since 2000. His volunteer and fundraising efforts for The Raptor Trust, the largest wild bird rehabilitation center on the east coast, resulted in his addition to their board of trustees in 2018. One of his favorite areas to visit is Central America and he has hosted tours for Naturalist Journeys in Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, and Belize. In his spare time besides birding, Rick enjoys playing street hockey, fishing, and visiting the jersey shore, especially Cape May.

    Photo credit: Hugh Simmons

    Other trips with Rick Weiman

  • Dan Donaldson

    Dan Donaldson is an accomplished naturalist-birder based in Northeastern Ohio and has been guiding for Naturalist Journeys for nearly 20 years. Dan has developed his skills while working as a naturalist for a local park district for 25 years as well as with his full-time job as director of the local soil and water conservation district. Acustomed to varied audiences from novices to experts, Dan incorporates much more than just identification in his tours and programs. Dan has led tours for The Nature Conservancy, National Parks Conservation, and other tour companies. While now an international guide, his specialization in birding locales ranges from the Great Lakes to coastal destinations ranging from the Maritime Provinces of Canada and Maine, to the Florida Keys.

    Other trips with Dan Donaldson

Map for Nebraska's Platte River Prairies & Sandhill Crane Migration

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Please talk with your doctor about general health needs. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor about general vaccinations recommended for travel.
  • Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed. After you make travel reservations, please send a copy of your travel itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Remember to pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Health Information

We will share a copy of your health and emergency contact information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important in case of a medical emergency. In addition to bringing any prescription medications with you, we recommend that you have a copy of the prescriptions in case of loss.

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.  

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Food & Drink

We carry water and juices/cold drinks in the cooler each day, and sodas if people like them. Please also plan on bringing and filling your water bottle for hiking each day. We try to use as few plastics as possible!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Please pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Dress is informal and is casual even at restaurants. Layering is a great way to stay comfortable. Protective clothing is essential, whether it be from sun, rain, cold, insects, or vegetation. You need closed toe shoes, and wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread. Hiking boots with good support for hiking and on rocky terrain can work well.

Spending Money

Many people ask how much to plan to bring as spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. Most shops will take VISA and MasterCard or American Express. Typical items people purchase include local souvenirs and T-shirts, caps, and natural history books.  You may want to bring cash for drinks with dinner (if available) or smaller local purchases.

Gratuities

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show your appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this amount can be split among them.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Wi-Fi and cell phone service are available in most US destinations, although there are some exceptions in remote locations. Wi-Fi is generally provided in all hotels, lodges, and restaurants you visit, at least in public areas. Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers unless it appears to be an emergency as this disrupts other guests – please plan cell phone calls on your own time.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

For this tour, your guides will drive travelers in either full-size or mini-vans or a combination of those two. We ask all attendees to please rotate your seating, so you ride with different drivers and alternate between front and back seats.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives permission to record photos and/or video of your participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please Pack Light! Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid Read more

Please Pack Light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds. Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

Dress is very informal. In general, the most important advice is to make sure you bring warm clothing. The weather during your stay can cover a wide range of temperatures – some years it is mild, while others, very cold. And you will spend time standing or sitting in unheated blinds. We want you to be comfortable and the key to that is layering. You can always shed layers if you bring too much! Fabrics like fleece, as well as rain gear, will protect you from rain and wind and keep you warm. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty – and things that are comfortable and easy. Supportive hiking books are essential for our walks.  If possible, bring outer layers of a dark color, as that helps you blend in with your surroundings when walking to and from the blinds.

Clothing and Gear

  • Long pants, 2-3 pair
  • Long sleeve shirts/turtlenecks, 3-4 (think layering)
  • T-shirts or equivalent (optional) for layering
  • Set of long underwear (top and bottom)
  • Personal underclothing and pajamas
  • Socks – several very warm pairs (wool or synthetic), and several pairs of a lightweight, easy to wash and dry material
  • Comfortable clothes for evening (can be a cleaner version of your field clothes)
  • Raincoat and pants (can double as wind breaker)
  • Very warm coat/jacket – the warmest you have
  • Sweater or fleece shirt
  • Down or fleece vest (windproof, if possible, this is a great clothing item for this climate)
  • Scarf or neck gaiter, very warm and water-repellent gloves/mittens
  • Warm hat
  • Hat with broad brim for sun on dry days
  • Comfortable walking shoes (such as tennis shoes)
  • Supportive hiking boots that can keep your feet very warm and dry
  • Comfortable shoes for evenings, travel days
  • Bandana (optional)
  • Swimsuit (optional)
  • Field vest (optional), a great source is Big Pockets

Equipment and Miscellaneous 

  • Personal Identification
  • Small daypack or fanny pack to carry gear while hiking (essential!)
  • Umbrella
  • Walking sticks (optional but recommended if you usually hike with them)
  • Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries and extra batteries
  • Alarm clock
  • Sunscreen/lip balm
  • Sunglasses
  • Toiletry articles
  • Sleeping mask or equivalent to cover your eyes if you are light sensitive
  • Earplugs if you are noise sensitive
  • Binoculars (a hotel shower cap is great to cover these when it is raining)
  • Spotting scope (optional). Guides will have a scope to share, but feel free to bring your own.
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Camera and extra batteries, digital chips etc., lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual (optional). Do a good check before leaving. Please note that flashes may not be allowed in the blinds.
  • Water bottle (or plan to reuse our store-bought water bottle if preferred)
  • Gallon-size ziplock bags for keeping things dry
  • Laundry soap for hand washing, travel sewing kit
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional)
  • A collapsible airplane footrest (such as an inflatable, foldable, or hammock type) may help make longer flights more comfortable. Some airlines may have restrictions, so confirm with your airline which types are allowed and where they may be not allowed, i.e. bulkhead or exit rows (optional)

 

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing - your mind will be at ease!

Medical and First Aid Items

  • Medical Insurance plus a copy kept in a separate location
  • Personal medications kept in their original, labeled packaging
  • Backup copy of all prescriptions you are bringing with you (i.e. eyeglasses and medicines), and any medical alerts; kept in a separate location
  • Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed
  • Personal first aid kit plus medications for common ailments and digestive issues.
  • Band-Aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
  • Foot powder, lotions for dry skin, general “comfort” items
  • Small bottle of hand sanitizer
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
  • Eye-drops (can be very dry and windy)

 

Suggested Reading List +

There are many titles of interest for Nebraska; the following are a few that we Read more

There are many titles of interest for Nebraska; the following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started. 

Field Guides

Merlin App. A phone-based birding app from Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. You can download it here.

Sibley Guide to Birds

Field Guide to the Birds of North America

The Complete Birder: A Guide to Better Birding

Lives of North American Birds

Natural History

Sandhill and Whooping Cranes: Ancient Voices over America's Wetlands

A World on the Wing: The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds

The Migration of Birds: Seasons on the Wing

A Chorus of Cranes: The Cranes of North America and the World

On Ancient Wings: The Sandhill Cranes of North America

Booming from the Mists of Nowhere: The Story of the Greater Prairie Chicken

Those of the Grey Wind: The Sandhill Cranes, New Edition

Sandhill Crane Display Dictionary: What Cranes Say With Their Body Language

Memoir

My Life with Cranes: A Collection of Stories

This River Beneath the Sky: A Year on the Platte

There is a good selection of books available for sale at visitors’ centers, and your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

 

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

Platte River

Great Platte River Road Archway – NY Times Article about struggle to keep this great museum afloat

Harlon County Reservoir

Cities we will visit in Nebraska

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Sand Hill Crane

Birds -  Nebraska Game and Parks

Field Guide to Crane Behavior (PDF by International Crane Foundation)

Nebraska Birding Guide

eBird List - Harlan Country Lake

Platte Basin Time-lapse

Platte River Prairies – by CHRIS HELZER, The Nature Conservancy’s Director of Science in Nebraska

Rainwater Basin

Norden Chute on the Niobrara National Scenic River

Conservation

The Nature Conservancy – Nebraska

The Nature Conservancy - Niobrara Valley Preserve

The Nature Conservancy - Protecting Platte River Prairies

“Crane Habitat Conservation Efforts Have Flourished in Nebraska…” – Article by Nebraska Public Media

Crane Trust

International Crane Foundation

Sandhill Crane Conservation – National Geographic (requires subscription)

National Wildlife Federation – Platte River

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

History & Culture

Johnson, W. Carter and Boettcher, Susan E., "The Pre-settlement Platte: Wooded or Prairie River?" (2000). Great Plains Research: A Journal of Natural and Social Sciences. 485. 

Stuhr Museum, Grand Island, NE

Mormon Trail along the Platte River Banks

Nebraska Sandhills

Origami Cranes

Geology & Geography

Geology of the Platte River

Geography of the Platte River

Helpful Travel Websites

Homeland Security Real ID Act

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

ATM Locator

Date & Time


Photo credits: Banners: Western Meadowlark (Hugh Simmons), Scenic (Kent Skaggs), Snow and Ross's Geese (Kent Skaggs), Sandhill Cranes (Kent Skaggs) Thumbnails: Northern Shoveler, Ross’s Goose, Belted Kingfisher, Greater Yellowlegs, Cooper’s Hawk, American Dipper, Great Horned owl, Snow Goose

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