As we get ready to welcome the month of October, many of us also warmly welcome the early fall staple of the Sandhill Crane’s annual migration. With a wingspan up to six feet, the Sandhill Crane is not only the largest bird in Michigan, but it still holds the title for the oldest living bird species. 

“The prehistoric call and flocks of these large-winged, long-legged birds are an experience like no other,” said Manager of Events and Education Lindsay Cain, M.S. She has witnessed these famous crowds of cranes during fall migration and has seen how cranes have impacted people of all ages. “Regardless of when or where you’re able to see them, there really is nothing like hearing a flock fly into a marsh to roost at night.” 

Traveling along country roads of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula can offer spontaneous opportunities to see families of cranes flying overhead, foraging for insects and seeds, or roosting in the evenings. 

Sandhill Cranes begin their migration journey by leaving their nesting grounds in late summer and early fall. Migration of large flocks starts in southern Michigan in October and lasts until late November.

During the fall, you’ll typically see groups of three cranes. These groups of three are likely the parents and their young, or this year’s colt.

During the fall, you’ll typically see groups of three cranes. These groups of three are likely the parents and their young, or this year’s colt. Photo by Lester Graham | Michigan Radio

Where you’re likely to see cranes in Michigan: prior to 10 a.m. and after 2 p.m. are the best times to view Sandhill Cranes foraging in fields near wetlands, agricultural areas, and along roadsides. Later in the day, cranes roost together in large marshy areas and continue to gather through sunset. 

Although migrating Sandhill Cranes head south for the winter, some individuals do overwinter and/or reside in Michigan. As long as the cranes can find adequate food and small areas of open water for roosting at night, they are likely to stay in the area. If you see Sandhill Cranes throughout the winter months, the best thing to do is to leave the bird be. 


Crane Viewing Events

CraneFest | October 14 & 15, 2023 | Bellevue, Mich.

The Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek invites you to CraneFest to witness and celebrate the annual fall migration of thousands of Sandhill Cranes, when these majestic birds leave their favorite feeding fields at dusk and head to Big Marsh Lake. The event is held at the Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area (22300 15 Mile Rd., Bellevue, MI 49021) from noon to 7 p.m. on Oct. 14–15. The event features guided nature walks, art vendors, live animal presentations, a food truck, and Sandhill Cranes, of course! The event is free, but there is a parking fee of $7 per vehicle for the weekend.

Following CraneFest, the Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek also opens their property for public viewing of cranes on Saturdays and Sundays from 4 p.m. to sunset through Nov. 12.

Michigan Audubon Annual Crane Count for Baker Sanctuary | October 28

Join MA on October 28 as we conduct our annual Baker Sanctuary crane count!

The count will be conducted from the Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area overlooking Big Marsh Lake in Bellevue from 4:30 p.m. to dusk. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on, and grab your binoculars to watch as potentially thousands of cranes come in to roost for the night. In 2022, 3,672 Sandhill Cranes were counted by volunteer Josh Haas and Michigan Audubon staff.

This event is part of the annual standardized count of the eastern population of Sandhill Cranes that is organized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Since its onset in 1979, eight states and one province have participated, and the population has grown to more than 90,000 cranes.

The Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area is located at 22300 15 Mile Rd., Bellevue, MI 49021.

In the event of inclement weather, the crane count will be held on October 29.


 

Lake at Bernard W. Baker Sanctuary by Molly Engelman

Lake at Bernard W. Baker Sanctuary. Photo by Molly Engelman

Crane Viewing at Michigan Audubon Sanctuaries

Michigan Audubon owns two bird sanctuaries where we see increased numbers of cranes during fall migration: the Bernard W. Baker Sanctuary, which is adjacent to the Kiwanis property in Bellevue, and the Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary, just north of Jackson, Michigan. 

Baker Sanctuary (21145 15 Mile Rd., Bellevue, MI 49021) offers views of cranes as large groups fly overhead en route to roosting at Big Marsh Lake. The fields and wetlands surrounding the sanctuary also serve as important feeding areas for migrating cranes during the daytime. 

Haehnle Sanctuaryknown for Sandhill Crane viewing, is located six miles northeast of Jackson, Mich., on Seymour Road. The Haehnle Committee of Jackson Audubon Society serves as stewards of this beloved sanctuary, owned by Michigan Audubon. 

Restored wetland at Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary.

Restored wetland at Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary.

Cranes are visible as they fly into the marsh and while roosting. Dedicated volunteers have been conducting a weekly fall crane count at Haehnle since 1969. They welcome visitors to experience the count on Monday evenings, with the best viewing being in the hour leading to sunset.

There is also a Sandhill Crane viewing map available from our friends at Haehnle (thank you, Tom Hodgson!) that highlights crane viewing in the Jackson area. 


Help Conserve Sandhill Crane Habitat

If you like what you see when you view crane migration at a nature preserve or sanctuary, please consider making a donation, volunteering, or learning more about how you can help preserve habitat for the Sandhill Crane. 

Cover Photo: Sandhill Cranes Taking Flight © Sherman Garnett