Sandhill cranes are seen at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Decatur, Ala. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) Photo Gallery DECATUR, Ala.

A record number of whooping cranes — 557 — were spotted this winter around the Texas coast, the highest count ever recorded ...

(via AP) Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Center is a paradise for birders who flock to see tens of thousands of migrating sandhill cranes every winter.

Each year tens of thousands of sandhill cranes stop at a Minnesota wildlife refuge for an extended layover as part of their migration south. These birds are long-legged, loud -- and methodical.

Flooded cornfields near the Tennessee River in northern Alabama are a paradise for birders who flock to see tens of thousands of migrating sandhill cranes every winter.

NOTE: Article updated for the 2025 Sandhill Crane Festival March 21st through 23rd 2025. The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge begins in the small eastern Washington farming community of Othello ...

Rob Broeren takes pictures of sandhill cranes at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Decatur, Ala. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) more > ...

The sound and sight of so many cranes clustered together creates a chorus of trills, trumpets and honks throughout the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Center in northern Alabama during the winter.

The sound and sight of so many cranes clustered together creates a chorus of trills, trumpets and honks throughout the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Center in northern Alabama during the winter.