Birdwatching and Photography for Mental Health

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, activities such as photography and wildlife viewing offer a sanctuary of serenity and healing. By immersing oneself in the beauty of the natural world, individuals can find solace, cultivate mindfulness, and nourish their mental well-being. Whether through the lens of a camera or the quiet observation of wildlife, each encounter with nature brings us closer to inner peace and tranquility. Coming from the Northeast as an avid hiker, I found my first year in Kansas to be somewhat underwhelming with the lack of hiking and was feeling depressed. I started looking for opportunities to make the most of my time and figure out more hobbies, which would result in me having more experience in other areas to connect with veterans. 

My best friend had given me a DSLR the year prior, and I had heard the Sandhill Crane Migration in Nebraska was a pretty remarkable event that occurs in the month of March every year, so I decided to head to Grand Island to check it out and practice with my camera. Every year, upwards of one million sandhill cranes gather on the Platte River in central Nebraska where they reach their peak numbers in the second half of March. Locals have said that they are typically gone by tax day, so I was lucky to see such an abundance still around as I arrived at Grand Island’s prime viewing spot on the first day of April. I woke up at about 6:30 am just before sunrise and it was a crisp 22 degrees. As I checked the weather I let out a sigh and decided to take my time waking and drank my coffee while I fixed my hair and packed for a day of the adventure. It would be a 45 minute drive to Grand Island, but it had plenty of parks and breweries to enjoy some time in the area after my early birdwatching adventure. As I approached the exit, I started seeing flocks of cranes flying by the dozens overhead in the opposite direction of where I was headed. “Crap,” I thought to myself as I regretted taking the extra time getting out the door. I saw people up the road heading across the street back to the parking lot and really thought I ruined my chance at seeing the cranes. But as I stepped out of the car, I heard steady calls by the sandhill cranes and the volume made it pretty clear I was still close to peak migration time. 

I crossed the street and finally saw the wide spread of cranes all gathered just up the river about 100 meters away. Groups were taking off periodically in a variety of formations offering incredible opportunities for shots in flight. New to motion shots, I cursed myself for lacking the skills to really get a good clear shot. After taking a couple dozen, I decided to converse with the occasional bird enthusiast and gather as much information as I could. In the half hour I was there I met a couple locals who mentioned that I came at just the perfect time this year and told me they always expect a handful of whooping cranes to arrive in the mix in late March. One woman said she may have caught an image of one (her camera was a LOT more advanced than mine) and that she has come every year since 2015 in hopes of seeing one of these endangered winged wonders. Admittedly, I saw 2 white birds gathered off in the distance, but I am not familiar with the common species typically found in Nebraska to have made a proper distinction. Another gentleman from a crane enthusiast organization in Wisconsin offered me his binoculars to get a better view of really how many sandhill cranes were in the crowd and told me about a handful of other interesting ducks/birds in the area that are more unique, though I admittedly forget the names. Lastly, a pair from Minnesota told me they too made a trip specifically for the migration, which is apparently a thing a lot of people do. It is really easy for most people to cruise through “flyover states” if there is not a giant sign or social media post immediately in front of them reminding them to go to this place (and often only if it’s picture worthy.) But as someone who thrives of seeing the little things that make a town special, I feel blessed to have happened upon a unique and big opportunity in a small city.