Marking Nebraska’s Statehood Beneath Crane-Filled Skies

As Nebraska marks 159 years of statehood, the Sandhill Crane migration returns to the Platte River, a spectacle documented across decades in our archives.

Welcome to From the Archives! I’m Alexis Scargill, Media Archivist here at Nebraska Public Media. Each month, I’ll be highlighting treasures from our collection spanning more than 70 years of broadcast history in our great state.

A Special Occasion...

This month, we have a very special event to commemorate. March 1, 2026 marks the state of Nebraska’s 159th birthday–though it hardly looks a day over 130. Nebraska is unique in many ways, so why should its statehood origin story be any different? It’s the only state in U.S. history to be admitted into the Union after Congress overrode a presidential veto of its statehood bill. It was nothing personal toward Nebraska, really–more a snapshot of the Reconstruction-era power struggle between federal authority and states’ rights.

...And a Major Spectacle

Another event currently underway (with more nebulous timing) is the great Sandhill Crane migration. Each year, from approximately March to mid-May, these majestic creatures blanket the sky over the Platte River as they use the valley as a convenient pit stop on their migration north. Once here, they stretch their legs (walk around), grab a snack (feed in cornfields), and take a nap (roost in the river); basically, they’re just like the rest of us (except much cooler and more majestic).

The subject of Sandhill Cranes is thoroughly explored and represented in Nebraska Public Media’s archives. If you’re a Nebraskan (or a birder), you probably already know the ins and outs of Sandhill Cranes. So I dug a little deeper to find some more obscure information and footage of these amazing birds. How about their courtship rituals?

Clip from: Nebraskaland; "Best of Nebraskaland," 1992

Capture the Crane

Sure, you’ve seen the incredible footage of the largest gathering of cranes in the world. Maybe you’ve even been lucky enough to see it in person. But have you ever seen how scientists capture cranes? I’ll admit, I hadn’t given it much thought, but I figured it must include some kind of elaborate net or cage setup (Looney Tunes style). The real answer is less sophisticated but equally entertaining. And the crane chicks are about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen, even when they’re briefly annoyed by the International Crane Foundation’s scientists’ ambush.

Clip from: Crane Song, 2007

The researchers–operating with the efficiency of a NASCAR pit crew–then band the chicks for identification and release them back to their parents. The whole process happens very quickly to limit the stress on the bird.

Arts & Crafts Time!

Speaking of limiting stress, how about a relaxing crane-related activity? I found this origami instruction in the promotional materials from Crane Song, and it was too good to keep to myself.

Check out the full page here: Crane Origami

Keep Exploring

If Crane Song and Best of Nebraskaland don’t slake your thirst for Sandhill Crane content, I have a few more suggestions you can queue up:

• A Passion for Birds, 1990
  • Dr. Paul Johnsgard was an author, photographer, artist, woodcarver, biology professor, and bird expert whose love for Sandhill Cranes and snow geese is infectious.
• Platte River Road, 1991
  • By tracing the history of the Platte Valley, we gain a better understanding of its key ecological role for Sandhill Cranes (and many others).
• Wetlands of Nebraska, 2005
  • Explore Nebraska's 3 million acres of wetlands, including the Platte River wetlands that Sandhill Cranes visit in their migration.

Good luck out there and happy birding.

What would you like to see from the archives?

I would love to hear from you! Send me your feedback at fromthearchives@nebraskapublicmedia.org. And please email me if you successfully made the origami crane. I’ll see you next month!