Sandhill Crane Migration in Alaska 2025

Sandhill cranes are some of the oldest and most mobile birds in North America. Every year they cover large distances, flying from Alaska and Eastern Siberia to California, Florida and Mexico.

Mid-Continent Crane Population

Alaska is lucky to have two populations of sandhill cranes that rarely mix. The so-called mid-continent population is the largest, numbering 500,000. These cranes arrive in Alaska to nest and can be spotted all over the state. The largest numbers of these sandhills can be observed during their annual migrations in April and late August.

Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge

Several thousand sandhill cranes congregate at Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge near Fairbanks to gain weight and rest before their long flight. That's the best location to watch them. The refuge offers observation platforms and an elevated viewing tower, perfect for spotting birds. Visitors can get self-guided tour booklets and follow interpretive signs with viewing tips and natural history facts. Overall, Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge boasts 150 bird species, resident and migratory. To mark the annual sandhill crane migration to Creamer's Fields, Fairbanks holds the annual Sandhill Crane Festival every August.

Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival (August 23-25, 2024)

The annual Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival features an array of events throughout a week in late August to celebrate the fall migration to Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. The program includes guided walks, birdwatching trips, , crane calling, photography, falconry, and many opportunities for observing cranes. Workshops are held with ornithologists, photographers, artists, and various speakers. The festival is free for the public to attend.

The Pacific Flyway Population

The second population of cranes migrates along the Pacific Coast. This group numbers to about 25,000 birds. They usually nest along the Alaska Peninsula, Kodiak Island, and Upper Cook Inlet. In the fall, the Pacific population flies over coastal Alaska and stops to rest in the Copper River Delta and the Stikine River Delta in the southeastern part of the state.

Copper River Delta

You can travel to Cordova, Alaska, to spot birds along the Copper River Delta. The best way to get to Cordova is on a plane from Anchorage or the ferry from Whittier. From Cordova, take a ride on Copper River Highway. The 50-mile highway goes through the wetlands and marshes, which is a perfect location to spot sandhill cranes. The second half of September is the best time to spot these birds in the largest numbers before they take off for California.

Stikine River Delta

Stikine River Delta Stikine boasts a considerable sandhill crane population in spring and early fall. It is also home to migrating bald eagles, snow geese, and many shorebirds. The annual festival celebrates spring bird migration in southeast Alaska. It is the perfect time to observe sandhill cranes by the Stikine River and its tributaries, located within the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness area of the Tongass National Forest.

Stikine River Birding Festival (April 23, 2025 – April 27, 2025)

The Stikine River Birding Festival takes place in Wrangell, Alaska, over the last full week of April. The program includes birdwatching tours, lectures, workshops, and activities for all ages, from building a bird feeder to participating in a photo contest.