Sandhill Crane Migration in Tennessee 2024-2025

The sandhill crane is one of the largest birds found in Tennessee. Its length is about 4 feet (1.2 m), and its wingspan reaches 7 feet (2m). Sandhills are also known for their distinct calls that can be heard for miles around. Tennessee birdwatchers witness the return of sandhill cranes every fall when thousands of migrating birds from the eastern population pass the state on their way to the Gulf Coast and Florida. About 20,000 sandhill cranes spend the entire winter in Tennessee, staying in the wetlands surrounding the Hiwassee and Tennessee rivers.

Cranes Migration Season

The number of sandhill cranes in North America is well over a million, with them separated into six different migratory populations. Cranes that annually migrate to wintering grounds in Tennessee largely belong to the Eastern Population, which consists of over 100,000 birds. In mid-February until late March, eastern population leave their wintering areas and arrive in the northern states of the United States, including Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and in Ontario, Canada. As the temperatures drop in late October through late December, sandhill cranes set off on a southward journey, to their wintering grounds in Tennessee, Florida, and Indiana. The numbers reach their peak in January.

Migration Process & Patterns

Sandhill cranes tend to stay in the wetlands, farm fields, marshes, prairies, and grasslands, the areas with abundant food sources. This bird species is omnivorous and eats insects, plants, grains, and even small animals. During migration and wintering season, cranes flock in large groups high in the sky. Birdwatchers have a chance to spot them by hearing their signature call, which can be heard from more than a mile away and resembles the rattling sound of a horn.

Viewing Areas

The migratory route of sandhill cranes lies through Pickett, Clay, Bradley, and Monroe Counties. In late February, they can also be spotted on their way back to their breeding sites in the Midwest and Canadian tundra. At least ten thousand sandhill cranes winter around the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge in Meigs County. A few thousand more can be spotted in west Tennessee, at Hop-In Wildlife Refuge, as well as nearby Reelfoot Lake in Obion County.

Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge

Situated near the unincorporated community of Birchwood, Hiwassee Refuge has been a sanctuary for sandhill cranes for a long time. The area provides shallow waters and roosting spaces for birds that feed on seeds, grains, insects, and even small mammals. In addition to the massive sandhill crane population, birders can see white pelicans and even endangered whooping cranes. Osprey can be frequently spotted from March through September.

The refuge is closed from November 15 until late February, but you can still observe the cranes from an Observational Platform, which is open year-round. The largest number of cranes has been spotted near the Watchable Wildlife viewing platform at the Hiwassee Refuge throughout January. During the rest of the year, the refuge is open to the public and is free to enter.

Hop-in Wildlife Refuge

Another great spot to witness the migration of sandhill cranes is located in Obion County, at the Hop-In Wildlife Refuge. Numerous waterfowl and a population of approximately 4,000 sandhill cranes come to the refuge to feed on grain fields and enjoy the wetlands. In the winter, the fields are completely flooded, which makes it a perfect spot for the birds. The refuge is closed to all sorts of entry from November 15 until late February, but is open during the rest of the year.

Reelfoot Lake State Park

Approximately 30 miles (48 km) from the Hop-In Wildlife Refuge, you'll find yourself in the beautiful landscape of Reelfoot Lake State Park. As the name implies, this natural area is home to Reelfoot Lake, one of the wintering grounds for sandhill cranes. While their number is significantly smaller, compared to Hiwassee Refuge, there's still a high chance of spotting the cranes. The park is free to enter, but some facilities might be subject to a fee.

Sandhill Cranes Festival (January 13-14, 2024)

January is also the time for the annual Tennessee Sandhill Cranes Festival, held at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge. The event combines bird-watching tours and educational programs with an art fair. Besides the refuge grounds, the festivities spread through Cherokee Removal Memorial Park and Birchwood Community Center. Cherokee Removal Memorial will also showcase Native American artifacts and folklore. The festival is completely free to attend and lasts from 8 am until 4:30 pm.