Prairie-Chickens and Sandhill Cranes
The Great Plains are renowned for their vast grasslands, once home to large herds of bison and filled with the sound of prairie songbirds. While much of the land has been converted to farmland, there are still spectacular natural wonders to be found. In late winter, as spring approaches, ancient rituals awaken. Join us on this adventure through Nebraska and Kansas, where we hope to witness the stunning migration spectacle of thousands of Sandhill Cranes on the Platte River along with the breathtaking dawn displays of Sharp-tailed Grouse and both Greater and Lesser prairie-chickens at private leks.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Omaha, Nebraska. Once a busy hub for both the Oregon and Mormon Pioneer Trails, Omaha is now a modern city set on the banks of the Missouri River. Upon arrival and check-in, enjoy a welcome dinner, introductions, and an overview of the journey.
Night: Omaha, Nebraska.
Meals: D
Day 2
This morning we drive west towards Basset, Nebraska, our base for the night. Along the way, we will stop at local spots to search for some of our first species, including wintering Harris’s Sparrows and Lapland Longspurs, while also possibly stumbling upon something rarer, such as a Townsend’s Solitaire or Prairie Falcon. Our home base for the evening will be at Audubon of Kansas’s Hut-ton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. This 5,000 acre sanctuary was donated in 2002 and is home to both Sharp-tailed Grouse and Greater Prairie-chicken, along with a wide variety of prairie birds that are reliant on the habitat.
Night: Basset, Nebraska.
Meals: B
Day 3
This morning, weather dependent, we arise before dawn to be able to witness the annual spring courtship rites of the Sharp-tailed Grouse. By this time in March they have started their dawn-hour dancing and booming at leking (dancing) display sites. Experiencing a lek is an experience straight out of tails about the Wild West! After lunch, begin heading to Kearney. Along the way we’ll stop and explore larger bodies of water, in search of waterfowl and gulls. In the evening we’ll travel along the Platte River, witnessing the evening arrival of the Sandhill Cranes.
Night: Kearney, Nebraska.
Meals: B
Day 4
In the early morning hours, the sandbars of the Platte River become a riot of noise as the cranes awaken from their island roost sites. A tangle of wings, necks, and beaks unfurl each morning as cranes move out to feed in the corn and milo fields. After viewing this exciting spectacle, participants return to Kearney for a hot breakfast and a rest. In the afternoon, we visit historic Fort Kearney to learn more about the pioneers of the Oregon Trail. We’ll look for wintering and resident passerine birds in trees along the river and for the majestic Bald Eagles that frequent the Platte. Tonight, enjoy a free night with your choice of restaurants. Catch something quick, close to the hotel, or en-joy dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Night: Kearney, Nebraska.
Meals: B
Day 5
We’ll again start the day before dawn, this time to visit a Greater Prairie-chicken lek. The largest member of Tympanuchus, they’re reliant on partnerships with ranchers and conservationists to protect the vital grassland habitat that they utilize. In the afternoon, we’ll casually bird our way towards our final hotel.
Night: Hays, Kansas.
Meals: B
Day 6
Today will be yet another early morning, this time for the third, and last, member of Tympanuchus: Lesser Prairie-chicken. This vulnerable species is similar to Greater Prairie-chicken, but has a more restricted range and different colored air sacs. Our sister organization Audubon of Kansas does an admirable job protecting habitat through partnerships with local ranchers, and our visit to this protected lek is a sign of the growing acceptance from ranchers to manage their habitat not only for their herds but also for the native wildlife. In the afternoon we’ll casually bird around the area, with an early Farewell Dinner before finally having the chance to catch up on some much de-served sleep.
Night: Hays, Kansas.
Meals: BD
Day 7
If weather prevented us from visiting the Lesser Prairie-chickens the day before, we’ll wake up early again to view the lek. Otherwise, we’ll head towards Kansas City for afternoon return flights home, full of breathtaking memories of the Great Plains!
Meals: B
Matt Bell
EcoTravel Frequently Asked Questions
Why travel with EcoTravel?
We’re proud to offer small group travel in support of conservation, both locally and across the globe! By traveling with EcoTravel, you’re supporting environmental education and habitat management everywhere we go. When traveling internationally, we strive to use local companies who know the best places to visit, providing an intimate experience with the culture and wildlife.
What's included in the cost of the trip?
Most everything. Most every travel expense is included in one up-front price – airport transfers as specified in the itinerary, all hotel accommodations, birding/sightseeing with experienced guides, meals as specified in the itinerary, airport transfers, services of local guides, and more.
Most meals are included on EcoTravel journeys. All breakfasts are included, and some dinners. Occasional lunches in special locations may also be included. Although some dinners may not be included, suggestions for dining options will be offered by your tour leader. Many EcoTravel guests choose to dine together to share in new friendships and discoveries, but the choice is yours. Dining is a delightful and integral part of the EcoTravel experience – and that is why we select restaurants that offer a true taste of each region you visit. Most included meals offer limited choice menus, and some may be from a set menu or buffet. All appropriate gratuities for included meals are included.
For exact information of what’s included on a specific trip, please check the trip page.
What's not included in the cost of the trip?
Alcoholic beverages are not included, nor are meal gratuities for not-included meals, local guides, luggage handling, bellmen, doormen, and dining room servers. EcoTravel guides and driver gratuities are not included and should be offered individually, not as a group. Transfer driver gratuities are included.
Luggage service on EcoTravel tours is not included.
For exact information of what’s not included on a specific trip, please check the trip page.
What's your cancellation policy?
All trips are non-refundable.
Day Trips run as scheduled, and all participants are expected to be there. In the event weather postpones the trip and you can’t make the new date, or we don’t receive enough signups to run the trip, you’ll receive a non-expiring credit for the full value paid.
Overnight Trips can be partially refunded outside of 120 days before departure. Payment is due in full 120 days before departure, and no refunds are given. Exact details for each trip can be found in the terms and conditions on the Printable Itinerary.
What's the average group size?
Almost all of our trips are kept to single digits! We believe that small groups give a better experience to everyone. Day Trips and certain overnights may include up to 14 participants, with two guides.
Many of our trips run with just 4-6 participants!
What level of birder do I need to be?
All levels are welcome! While some trips are more intense than others, our guides are skilled at helping everyone see as many birds as possible while having a great time.
Do you sell travel insurance?
EcoTravel is an authorized agent of Travelex travel insurance. Please call the office for more information.
What happens if the tour doesn't fill?
Day Trips: Cancellation results in a credit for the full value that can be used for future trips.
Overnight Trips: Travelers are given the chance to rebook the same trip for a future year, or to move their money at full value to another trip.
What's the activity level of the tours?
It varies! Some tours have lots of walking, while others are more sedentary. For exact information on the activity level of a specific trip, please call the office.
How far in advance can I / should I book?
We encourage you to make your reservation just as early as possible – especially if you are limited to the time period in which you can travel. EcoTravel journeys are popular and tend to fill quickly.
Can EcoTravel help make arrangements for pre-tour and post-tour hotel nights?
Absolutely! Many guests choose to extend their stay and we’re happy to help. As a service, EcoTravel will make hotel reservations before and/or after your journey at select pre-/post-stay hotels offered for that tour. Rooms are reserved at the first or last night’s hotel property of any EcoTravel journey, so there’s no worry of having to change hotels or rooms at the start or end of your trip. Rooms are reserved on a space-available basis, and the cost will be added to your tour cost.
Arranging hotel accommodations in the city where your journey begins for the night preceding your EcoTravel itinerary not only gives you more time to explore on your own, allows your group to become better acclimated to time changes before your journey begins and helps to relieve stress from potential travel delays – important factors to consider! Guests wishing to spend more time in cities where our journeys end can extend their stay – a great way to make your vacation last a little longer.
Are transfers included to and from my pre-tour and post-tour hotels?
Complimentary transfers are included from the airport to your pre-stay hotel for the start of your journey and from your post-stay hotel to your departure airport.
Please Note:Transfers are included for EcoTravel-approved pre- and post-stay hotels. Non-EcoTravel hotel transfers must be approved prior to leaving on your tour.
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