Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest The American Experience
Out of the West

During the annual spring migration, hundreds of thousands of Sandhill Cranes converge along a short stretch of the Platte River, to rest and gain strength for their journey further north. At night, the cranes roost in safety on sandbars in the shallow river. During the day, the cranes venture to nearby farmlands in search of grain left over from the fall harvest.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2016
Date Uploaded: 04.2017
Photo Location: Grand Island, Nebraska, United States of America
Copyright: © Elijah Hassler