Sandhill Crane Migration in Michigan 2024

Tens of thousands of cranes fly south from Michigan after breeding over the summer

Best time: October–November

Sandhill Cranes are among the oldest bird species on Earth and are also one of the largest birds in Michigan, standing 3-4 feet (1.2 meters) tall with a wingspan of 6 feet (1.8 meters). Each fall, these majestic birds migrate south for the winter, stopping in Michigan's lower counties to rest before continuing their journey to the southern states.

Migration Season

Cranes begin arriving in Michigan from their wintering grounds in March. During April and May, they lay eggs in marshes and wetlands, so it's important to avoid disturbing them during nesting season. The best time to spot these beautiful birds is during their fall migration from October through November, when thousands of cranes with their young congregate before heading to southern states like Georgia, Florida, or Texas. To see Sandhill Cranes foraging, visit fields near wetlands, agricultural areas, and roadsides before 10 am or after 2 pm. Later in the day, they roost in large marshy areas and continue to gather until sunset.

Sandhill Crane Key Viewing Locations

Cranes can be easily spotted all over Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, especially near marshlands. You can see them flying overhead or on stopovers in parks and bird sanctuaries.

Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary

The Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary near Jackson, Michigan, is the state's largest roosting area for Sandhill Cranes. Spanning 1,000 acres (404 hectares) of protected wetlands, it provides an ideal habitat for these birds. During the fall migration, thousands of Sandhill Cranes, along with their families, roost and rest here, making it a key site for observing these elegant birds.

Waterloo Recreation Area

The nearby Waterloo Recreation Area also offers an excellent habitat for Sandhill Cranes during this seasonal gathering. The sanctuary is open year-round from 8 am to 9 pm. Waterloo Recreation Area is the largest state park in the Lower Peninsula and home to a diverse array of camping options (modern, rustic, and equestrian campgrounds, backpack-only sites, and overnight lodging facilities), 11 inland lakes, a trail system, the DTE Energy Foundation Trail, a visitor center, and excellent fishing and hunting opportunities.

Bernard W. Baker Sanctuary

For those keen to observe Sandhill Cranes feeding and roosting, the Bernard W. Baker Sanctuary near Bellevue, Michigan, is an excellent destination. This expansive area, known for its vital fields and wetlands, offers some of the best views of these majestic birds. Visitors can watch large groups of cranes flying overhead on their way to roost at Big Marsh Lake and see them feeding in the surrounding fields and wetlands.

The sanctuary also features the Meadow and Marshland Trail, ideal for hiking, cross-country skiing, and nature observation. The sanctuary’s habitats include ponds, streams, cattail marshes, and ongoing restoration projects. Notable birds include Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Northern Harriers, and various warblers. The trails are open daily from dawn to dusk, and admission is free.

Kensington Metropark

Kensington Metropark, surrounding Kent Lake, is a premier spot for crane-watching in Michigan, especially due to its proximity to Detroit. The Sandhill Cranes here often display a distinctive rusty coloring, a result of the high iron content in the water that stains their feathers when they clean them. Their slender, sharp bills, which extend longer than their heads, serve as a reminder to maintain a safe distance when encountering them in the park. The park is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm, with a daily vehicle or boat pass fee of $10.

Crane Festival (October 12–13, 2024)

Each fall, the Michigan Audubon Society hosts CraneFest during the second weekend of October at the Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area in Bellevue. This event provides a unique opportunity to learn about Sandhill Cranes through guided tours, informative talks, and special exhibits on their behavior and migration patterns. Visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of thousands of cranes in one location, making CraneFest a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

The festival runs from noon to dusk and features an Artist Village, showcasing many of Michigan’s top nature artists who display and sell their work. Guided nature walks with local naturalists, available from approximately 1 pm to 4:30 pm, offer exploration of the nature trails, seasonal birds, and wildlife.

Sandhill Crane Info

Standing 5 feet tall with a 6-foot wingspan and distinctive bright red heads, Sandhill Cranes are a remarkable sight. They favor wetland areas and marshes for their ample food and water, but urbanization has reduced their habitats, impacting their populations. Protected wetlands and restored habitats are essential for their breeding and survival.

As opportunistic feeders, Sandhill Cranes eat plants, grains, and occasionally invertebrates, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. During mating, they perform elaborate dances involving wing-flapping, bowing, jumping, and tossing sticks or plants, with these displays occurring year-round, though most frequently during the breeding season.