In the agricultural fields flooded near the Tennessee River, numerous sandhill cranes can be spotted foraging among the remnants of broken corn stalks and shallow pools of water. These tall, elegant birds, in their tens of thousands, are a sight to behold, as they search for corn, seeds, berries, and insects, filling the air with their distinctive sounds of trills and honks around the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Center in northern Alabama during the winter.

       The winter migration of sandhill cranes draws a multitude of bird-watchers keen to observe these magnificent creatures up close. Alongside them, there is a rare chance to see the endangered whooping cranes, which migrate in much smaller groups to Wheeler. The refuge is also home to a variety of other birds, including geese, ducks, bald eagles, kestrels, and hawks, creating a rich tapestry of avian life. “It’s a birder’s paradise,” remarked park ranger David Young.

       Each year, the sandhill cranes migrate from the Great Lakes to Alabama. Their presence at Wheeler has steadily increased since the mid-1990s, with dramatic growth observed in the mid-2000s. Last winter, the population of sandhill cranes reported at Wheeler hit a remarkable high of 30,000. “In the Tennessee Valley, we provide three essential needs for these cranes: expansive open fields, leftover crop remnants, and natural foraging foods, as well as open mudflats and shallow water in the Tennessee River and its tributaries,” said Young.

       Wheeler has become a prime location for bird enthusiasts to observe the 4-foot tall cranes up close. Visitors often utilize photography blinds and an observation center that offers two levels for a better view. January brings an annual event called the Festival of the Cranes, which attracts even more visitors to the area.

       The cranes offer a captivating display as they engage in elaborate courtship dances, gracefully flapping their wings and vocalizing with a mix of purring and squawking. Diana Maybury-Sharp from Birmingham expresses her delight in visiting Wheeler with friends, enjoying the hiking and birdwatching opportunities. “It’s pretty extraordinary. I’ve seen them in other parts of the country where there were just a few,” she commented. “Here, they are so vocal and numerous; it’s a unique experience.”

       Whooping cranes, which belong to the eastern migratory population and originate from Wisconsin, began visiting Alabama in 2004. Their winter numbers range from 12 to 20, according to Young. Once on the brink of extinction due to hunting and habitat loss in the early 1900s, the whooping cranes have seen a slow but steady increase in both wild and captive populations, estimated to be over 800 according to the International Crane Foundation.

       These migratory cranes rely on freshwater habitats in Texas and the Southeast, which may face challenges from rising sea levels and drought conditions. While the sandhill cranes often obscure them, the whooping cranes’ taller stature and distinct white feathers help them become visible. Young notes that potential changes in climate may influence the migration patterns of these cranes, affecting their nesting and wintering grounds. “It’s difficult to predict how long they will continue to winter here in north Alabama. In the future, they may not migrate as far south,” he stated. “But for now, we’re thrilled to have them visit and work to maintain their habitat and provide opportunities for public observation.”

       Rob Broeren from Huntsville often visits the refuge, equipped with his telephoto lens to capture stunning wildlife photographs. He frequents Wheeler around a dozen times annually to photograph the various birds and ducks. “Patience is key; you have to wait for them to engage in interesting behavior and make their calls. That perfect shot can lead to a great day,” he explained. Broeren is also scouting locations for friends eager for a chance to glimpse the rare whooping cranes.

       For avid bird watchers, encountering a rare species is especially thrilling. “Birders love checking off their lists of different species,” Broeren added. “So, those who haven’t seen this unique species before are often willing to travel quite far for a chance to do so.”

       The sandhill cranes will begin their departure from Wheeler by mid-February. Young observes a noticeable increase in activity and excitement among the birds as they prepare for their return journey to nesting grounds. “Typically, this happens on days with a southward wind,” he said. “They are intuitive and will use the wind to return home when it’s most convenient.”