Hiking/ Sandhill Crane Viewing — Sherburne Natl Wildlife Refuge, Zimmerman, MN

Category: Hiking

Sat, 2:00pm - 6:30pmNov 22024

Max Trip Size: 15 people

Description:

Due to high interest in this event, it is being offered again!

Each fall, thousands of sandhill cranes migrate south via a stop at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. The count last week was over 12,000 cranes! The sandhill cranes spend the days in nearby farm fields and return to the refuge each evening in the hour before sunset (which is around 6 pm). We plan to hike in the afternoon, followed by viewing cranes in the fields and/or from a viewing area.

The Hike:

Meet at the Blue Hill Trailhead at 2 p.m. where we will do a 5-mile loop hike on the trails in Sherburne NWR. All walking speeds are welcome. Water and snacks are recommended. This hike is largely open, so sun protection is recommended if the weather requires it. A limited number of dogs are welcome. Please contact me if you plan to bring a dog. Here is a map of the refuge

The Sandhill Crane Viewing:

After the hike, there are a couple of options for viewing the cranes. The Sandhill Crane Viewing Area is a small parking lot where you can watch the incoming cranes fly in. You can also drive around looking at the farm fields to see the cranes still before they fly off at dusk. I strongly suggest that you bring This map showing where the cranes hang out. Binoculars recommended. We will discuss these options at the hike.

Finally, Here is a link where you can keep track of the number of cranes counted each week

Non-Rovers members are welcome if they fill out the waiver below. Please let me know if you plan to attend.

Coordinator(s):

Barry S.

Jen O.

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Last Revised: October 2024

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