Sandhill Crane Migration in Indiana 2024
One of the most impressive bird congregations in North America
Best time: mid-September–mid-December
A flock of Sandhill cranes is one of the most amazing natural spectacles that you can observe in North America. Half a million of these gorgeous birds migrate annually from nesting areas in the north to wintering grounds in the south. Indiana lies on these crane's fall migration routes, as the large group of cranes circle between breeding sites in Wisconsin and Michigan and the warm marshes of Georgia and Florida. The South Shore region of north-west Indiana lies in between those two destinations.
Sandhill Crane Season in Indiana
Cranes start to arrive in Indiana in late September and usually stay through December. The South Shore of Lake Michigan becomes their stopover before the long flight.
Place to View Sandhill Crane Migration in Indiana
Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area
Marshes, wetlands, and grasslands are abundant in Jasper County, especially the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area, which hosts tens of thousands of cranes every fall. Visit its 300-acre Goose Pasture Viewing Area to see cranes, witness their "dances", as well as listen to their distinctive chatter and calls.
The best times to see Sandhill Cranes are at sunrise and sunset. When the sun rises, large flocks fly out of their roosts into the Goose Pasture, where they begin foraging for breakfast in the local fields. About an hour prior to sunset, the flocks head back into Goose Pasture and return to the roosting marshes. The wetlands in the recreation area are closed to visitors so that the birds can rest from the attention of observers. The Sandhill Cranes are best seen from the observation platform at the Sandhill Crane Observation Area.
Nearby, visitors to Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area can find restrooms and a picnic area with shade. The Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area operates 24/7. However, spring turkey hunting, dove hunting, in-person or standby draws, and more have specific hours.
Viewing Tips
Cranes are usually seen several hundred yards from the observation deck. However, there are times when they gather closer to the platform. Since leaving the observation deck is not allowed, there are several stationary optical tubes available, but it's best to bring your own spotting scope or binoculars. Also, don't forget to bring a camera with a good zoom to capture great photos.
Sandhill Cranes General Information
Sandhill cranes are very large and tall birds that reach 3-4 feet (1-1.2 meters) in height. They have a long neck and legs as well as quite broad wings. Their most recognizable feature is a red crown on the head. These birds can mostly fly 200 (322 kilometers) to 300 miles (482 kilometers) in a day, although they can reach 500 miles (804 kilometers) with a good tailwind. Cranes can live for more than 35 years in the wild. Some cultures see cranes as symbols of happiness, good fortune, and eternal youth.
Practical info
What is the best time of the year to see Sandhill cranes in Indiana?
Arriving in late September and staying until December, Sandhill cranes make a stopover at the South Shore region of northwest Indiana before their long flight. The best time to view them is from mid-September through mid-December.
Where in Indiana can you see Sandhill cranes during their migration?
Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area, situated in Jasper County, is an excellent site for observing the Sandhill crane migration. Tens of thousands of cranes of various species make a stopover every fall at the 300-acre Goose Pasture Viewing Area, which is located inside the wildlife area.
How many Sandhill cranes migrate through Indiana each year?
Indiana falls on the route of the annual migration of half a million Sandhill cranes that move from their nesting in the north to the southern wintering grounds. Tens of thousands of these birds stop over every fall at the Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area. As there are other bird species that move over Indiana during migration, the exact number of Sandhill cranes migrating every year through Indiana is difficult to calculate.
What is the unique feature of Sandhill cranes that differentiate them from other bird species?
They are a large bird species that can reach between 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) in height with a long neck and legs, and wide wings. However, their red crown on the head is the most iconic feature and is a reliable method of identifying the species during observation.