Sandhill Crane pair in flight
photo by iStock/stuckreed
The annual Sandhill Crane migration has been called one of the greatest spectacles of nature in the Southeast. Each winter, between 15,000 and 20,000 of these graceful birds converge upon the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge just north of Chattanooga on their journey from the upper Midwest to Florida. “The cranes begin arriving in late October, but their numbers peak in early January,” said Kevin Calhoon, the Tennessee Aquarium’s assistant curator of forests. “You’ll frequently hear their unique calls long before you see them flying overhead in a ‘V’ formation.”
Mr. Calhoon and other Aquarium experts will lead Sandhill Crane viewing cruises aboard the River Gorge Explorer during the peak of their migration on Jan. 9, 10 and 11 and 16, 17, 18 and 19.
During each two-hour excursion, passengers will enjoy excellent viewing from inside the climate-controlled cabin as well as outside on the stern viewing deck or topside observation platform. “The Hiwassee Refuge is special in winter because of the sheer number of cranes that can be seen easily from the river,” said Mr. Calhoon. “There’s also just the right ingredients to draw many other bird species to the area.”
Mr. Calhoon serves as statistician of the bird records for Southeast Tennessee and says this critical stopover point for Sandhill Cranes is also perfect habitat for resident and transient Bald Eagles, numerous waterfowl species including Snow and White-fronted Geese. Birders have also recorded occasional sightings of Ross’s Geese, White Pelicans and even a few Whooping Cranes. “We will also see wintering Dunlin, Least Sandpipers and Wilson’s Snipe on the mudflats with the Sandhill Cranes,” said Mr. Calhoon. “This variety of bird species and close up views from the water is why photographers and wildlife viewers love coming to the refuge every winter.”
The captains plan on making the most of each cruise, getting to Hiwassee Island efficiently so there’s more time to enjoy the scenery. “We’ll have enough time to pause and make sure everyone gets a good view whenever we see something special while circumnavigating the island,” said Captain Pete Hosemann. “I’ve been leading these trips on other boats for years, but I’m really looking forward to taking folks out aboard the Explorer.”
Passengers will also have an experienced Aquarium naturalist aboard for each expedition to help bring the area’s rich history to life. Archaeologists recognize the island as one of the most significant Mississippian cultural sites in the region as well as being an important Cherokee heritage site. “I’m really excited about using our video system to show our guests about what life was like along this stretch of river during the past 1,000 years,” said Aquarium naturalist John Dever. “We’re really going to pack a lot into each cruise to help everyone appreciate the thriving communities that once existed here.”
Registration is $30 for Tennessee Aquarium members, $38 for non-members. Groups of 15 or more receive special pricing of $35 per person.
Tickets for these special cruises may be purchased online at: http://www.tnaqua.org/plan-your-visit/river-gorge-explorer/sandhill-crane-cruises
Cruises will depart from the Sale Creek Marina which is located at 3900 Lee Pike near Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee. For a Google Map and directions, go to: http://bit.ly/1ByJ1sW
Video preview of Sandhill Cranes in the Hiwassee Refuge is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZNnaLDD_zM
Sandhill Crane flock
photo by iStock/Lynn Bystrom