2027 Wild Birds of Nebraska Photography Tour

Travel Plan

Accommodations

Helpful Information

Explorer Testimonials

• 2027 Wild Birds of Nebraska Photography Tour Travel Plans

  Sunday, March 7 (D)

  Arrive in Nebraska mid-afternoon via Central Nebraska Regional Airport (GRI) or Kearney Regional Airport (EAR), then transfer to the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Island (or similar) to settle in.

  This evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner to get acquainted and prepare for an exciting few days of wildlife photography. Our time in the Platte River Valley will focus on encounters with Sandhill Cranes, Greater Prairie Chickens, American Bison, and the diverse wildlife of the Great Plains.

  Overnight at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Island (or similar)

  Monday, March 8 (B, L, D)

  We’ll depart the hotel early this morning for our first Greater Prairie Chicken blind session, arriving at the lek before sunrise. As dawn breaks across the prairie, the males begin their spectacular courtship display—rapidly stamping their feet, raising their head feathers, inflating their vivid orange air sacs, and producing the haunting “booming” calls that echo across the open grasslands. As activity builds, the males may also spar with one another, squaring off in dramatic bursts of aggression as they compete for the attention of females.

  After the morning shoot and lunch, we’ll stop by the Crane Trust Visitor Center, where we’ll enjoy an introductory presentation about Sandhill Cranes, their habitat, and the important conservation work taking place here. This will provide a fascinating introduction to the ecosystem and help set the stage for our dedicated crane photography sessions.

  The Crane Trust places you at the heart of one of North America’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles: the annual migration of Sandhill Cranes along Nebraska’s Platte River. Each March, more than one million cranes gather throughout the region.

  After dinner, the spectacle begins! We’ll head into the field for our first evening crane blind session, positioning ourselves as the cranes become active and the evening unfolds. As the light changes and the cranes take flight, interact, and settle into their surroundings, you’ll have your first chance to capture these magnificent birds in their natural environment.

  The custom-built, expertly camouflaged blinds are strategically positioned along the river for excellent views and optimal light. Large viewing windows accommodate longer lenses, while specialized tripod slots and comfortable seating make it easy to settle in for extended photography sessions. With just four guests and a photo guide in each blind, you’ll enjoy an intimate setting and plenty of room to work.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Return to the hotel after the blind session. Overnight at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Island

  Tuesday, March 9 (B, L, D)

  Rise and shine! We’ll begin the morning with an early departure to the Crane Trust’s private photography blinds along the Platte River. We’ll settle in before sunrise, cameras ready, as hundreds of thousands of Sandhill Cranes begin lifting off the river in the soft early-morning light.

  After our morning blind session, we’ll spend the middle of the day exploring the Crane Trust property and surrounding county roads, looking for additional wildlife and opportunities to photograph panoramic prairie vistas. This region supports an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna, with a chance to encounter:

  • 281 bird species, including Piping Plovers, Whooping Cranes, Pelicans, Ring-necked Pheasants, raptors including Bald Eagles and Great Horned Owls, along with numerous species of ducks and other waterfowl—the list goes on!
  • 51 mammal species, including White-tailed and Mule Deer, Beaver, and Pronghorn Antelope
  • 17 reptile/amphibian species, as well as 350 species of insects

  A highlight of our time at the Trust will be an excursion to photograph its genetically pure herd of bison, an iconic Great Plains animal, as they move through the expansive prairie landscape.

  As afternoon gives way to evening, we’ll return to the river for our second blind session of the day. We’ll get settled before the cranes begin returning to their nighttime roosts, photographing them as they stream back toward the river, interact with one another, and settle in for the night. The warm evening light, combined with the constant movement of birds on the river, makes for a memorable way to end the day.

  Throughout our time at the Trust, we’ll continue learning from Crane Trust biologists and staff about the cranes, the Platte River ecosystem, and the conservation challenges facing this important habitat. A portion of each experience fee supports the Crane Trust’s ongoing habitat preservation and wildlife conservation efforts.

  Overnight at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Island

  Wednesday, March 10 (B, L, D)

  Before dawn, we’ll return to the Crane Trust for our final morning photography session with the Sandhill Cranes. As the river roosts slowly awaken, we’ll listen for those first calls, building into an unforgettable chorus of trills and bugling notes.  Then, as the first light reaches across the horizon, comes our final opportunity to witness and photograph the spectacular lift-off. Thousands of cranes will rise from the roost, filling the morning sky as they head across the fields to feed—a fitting farewell to these magnificent birds.

  This afternoon, we’ll transfer to the Crowne Plaza Kearney for easier access to the Greater Prairie Chicken lek for tomorrow’s morning blind session. The hotel also provides convenient access to Kearney Regional Airport.

  Tonight, we’ll gather for our final group dinner, sharing stories and reminiscing about our time along the Platte River as we prepare for our last morning in Nebraska.

  Overnight at the Crowne Plaza Kearney

  Thursday, March 11 (B)

  As our time in Nebraska draws to a close, we’ll head to the blind for one last opportunity to photograph the remarkable Greater Prairie Chickens. We’ll arrive before sunrise and settle in as the prairie awakens and the males begin their fascinating courtship displays. Their booming calls, dramatic posturing, and energetic interactions provide an unforgettable finale to our Nebraska wildlife adventure.

  After the morning session, we’ll return to the hotel, gather our belongings, and make our way to Kearney Regional Airport (EAR), arriving by 1:00 pm, to catch our flights home this afternoon. Depart from Kearney Regional Airport (EAR) at 2:00 pm or later.

  • Guest Limits

    8 Guests Maximum

  • Trip Cost

    4950 pp, dbl occupancy

    Single Sup: 400

    Pricing in US dollars

  • Deposit

    $500 Per person due at time of booking
    Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check accepted

    Deposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus the deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.

  • Installments

    October 15, 2026: 3,000 pp first installment
    January 1, 2027: Final payment

    Installments are payable by check or Zelle only. Please make checks payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:

    Natural Exposures
    810 N. Wallace, Suite E
    Bozeman, MT 59715

  • Included

    • Private small-group travel with Daniel J. Cox
    • Local professional Crane Trust Photography Guide
    • Accommodations for four nights
    • Transportation in the Platte River Valley area and at the Crane Trust by private vehicle
    • All meals (as indicated in the itinerary: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
    • Four private Blind Sessions for Sandhill Cranes at the Crane Trust (sessions are based on the best Sandhill Crane activity – typically 2 mornings and 2 evenings; setting up on private roads is also an option if the opportunities are better)
    • Two Greater Prairie Chicken blind sessions
    • One bison shoot (Crane Trust herd)
    • Entrance fees to the Crane Trust (a significant portion of the fees support the Crane Trust’s ongoing conservation mission)

  • Not Included

    • Flights to/from Nebraska
    • Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance
    • Pre/post-trip hotel stays and/or airport transfers
    • Gratuities for the local guide
    • Attractions/optional activities not listed in the itinerary
    • Miscellaneous expenses, including Internet charges, laundry service, alcohol/soft drinks, etc.

  • Flights to Book

    March 7, 2027
    Arrive in Nebraska mid-afternoon via Central Nebraska Regional Airport (GRI) or Kearney Regional Airport (EAR).
    

    March 11, 2027
    Depart from Kearney Regional Airport (EAR) at 2:00 pm or later.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance is not required for this photo tour, but we always recommend purchasing it for any trip. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is affordable and can be purchased for each trip or an entire year, and can even be bundled with your regular travel insurance! We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:

    Global Rescue
    (use code natexp)

    Allianz Global Assistance 
    (use Travel Agent ACCAM F203564)

    Insure My Trip

  • Terms & Conditions

    Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.

    By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY

• Accommodations for 2027 Wild Birds of Nebraska Photography Tour

  March 7-9, 3 nights
  SpringHill Suites by Marriott Grand Island
  Experience a fresh and modern stay at the brand-new SpringHill Suites Grand Island. Nestled in Prairie Commons, this all-suite hotel is perfect for leisure travelers. Enjoy contemporary design combined with top-notch amenities. Relax at the stylish on-site bar, fuel up with a complimentary breakfast, and stay active at the 24-hour fitness center.

  March 10, 1 night
  Crowne Plaza Kearney
  The Crowne Plaza Kearney offers a comfortable base for the night, featuring well-appointed rooms and a relaxed atmosphere. After a day in the field, it’s a welcome place to unwind, with an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and plenty of space to recharge before an early start.

• Helpful Information for 2027 Wild Birds of Nebraska Photography Tour

  Tour Leaders

  Dan will lead this tour along with a local Crane Trust photography guide. Tanya will not be on this trip.

  Weather

  The average daytime temperature in this area is 52 °F, while evenings average around 28 °F. Dress warmly and in layers. Early spring mornings and evenings in Nebraska can be unpredictable and chilly. Bring the warmest boots, coat, gloves, and hat you have. Dress for 20 degrees below air temperature and prepare for wet weather.

  Activity Level

  The activity level for this trip is easy to moderate. Photography is primarily done from blinds or from a road. While in the blind, you must be comfortable sitting in a chair and/or standing still for a period of 3-4 hours. Some walking while carrying your camera gear is required to reach the blinds (0.25 to 0.5 miles each way). Walking terrain may include uneven, wet, and/or muddy grassland, dirt paths, and/or sandy riverbeds. Walks in the early morning or late evening may be in low-light or dark conditions, before sunrise and after sunset.

  Please note: The crane viewing blinds do not have restrooms. Once you enter the blind, you cannot leave until the session is over. This is because the sandhill cranes are very sensitive to movement and noise, so leaving the area is strictly prohibited, as it might scare them away. Blind sessions typically last 3-4 hours.

  What to Pack

  We will send a packing list closer to the trip time. Dan will also call each guest to discuss camera gear for the trip.

  Have a question?

  Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.

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• Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers

  • "If you ever want to travel to another country and you want to go first class, travel with Natural Exposures. They are number one in showing their guests the best time ever in the classiest way. I would recommend Natural Exposures Tours to everyone. If you want to go in style, go with NE!"

    Michelle Duggan, Massachusetts

  • "I just wanted to again thank you for a wonderful week of photography and relaxation away from the office. It was a really a good group."

    Sue Wolfe, Texas

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