Refuge News

The Cranes are Arriving!
 

This new signs on the Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive has great guidance if you want to see the large number of Sandhill Cranes as they migrate South during October and November.   

 

On Tuesday, October 13, staff and volunteers counted 5,335 cranes. About half of those cranes roost on the St Francis Pool but cranes are also spending the night in Durgin, Stickney, Nelson, and Bergerson Pools.

• Durgin Pool can be accessed by walking or biking a half mile from the A6 Hunter Parking Lot (which is about a half mile south of the intersection on CR 5 and CR 9 on the west side of the road)

•  Stickney, Nelson, and Bergerson Pools can all beseen from the Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive. 

 

Visitors should note that cranes will be gathering in those areas one hour after sunrise to one hour before sunset. Visitors still need to be mindful of the refuge's hours, ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset, and should plan to be off refuge lands outside of those times. 

 

It may also be important to note this is where  cranes were seen October 13, but we expect that crane roosting locations will change throughout the migration season as wetlands continue to fill up with water.

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Cranes are having a later start this year with the warm weather and they may be more spread out in the area due to low water levels.  Follow the Friends of Sherburne NWR Facebook page for the most timely announcements.  USFWS staff and volunteers will do weekly crane counts every Thursday until they leave and results will be reported there first. View our Sandhill Crane Viewing Brochure describing where to go and how to see (and hear!) the prehistoric-seeming birds.  TLDR, the parking lot on Cty Rd 70 (18941 22nd St. Princeton MN 55371) is usually a great place near dawn and dusk. More detailed information in this Friends' press release.

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Sandhill cranes rely on protected wetlands managed on the refuge and education programs to teach others about their journey. The Friends of Sherburne are once again hosting an online fundraiser to celebrate the crane craze! When you donate $20 or more, you’ll be showing your support for the cranes and nature education at the refuge. Now through October 31, all donations of $20 or more will receive a free commemorative sandhill crane sticker perfect for a water bottle or laptop. Check it out here. 

 

The Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive will be closed for Firearm Deer Season from November 7 through November 15.

 

Check out the bird sightings along the Wildlife Drive using eBird - either on the app or at the "Sherburne NWR--Wildlife Drive" hotspot. ​ Check out the annual summer newsletter recently mailed to members.

 

The Eagle's Nest Nature Store is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.

Wildlife sanctuary is in effect from March 1st to August 31st annually and was established in an effort to limit and lessen the stressors for wildlife parents. During this six-month time frame, recreation is allowed only in designated areas and those include the Oak Savanna Learning Center, Mahnomen and Blue Hill trails, Prairie's Edge Wildlife Drive, fishing access points and the designated canoe route. Service roads, including Brande Rd, and the interior of the refuge are off-limits to the public while wildlife sanctuary is in effect.​

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Refuge Headquarters is normally open to the public Monday - Thursday from 10 am - 4 pm.  It will be closed Wednesday December 24, Thursday December 25, Wednesday December 31 and Thursday January 1.

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For basic info or updates, please consult the following resources:

• Our new FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page

• Refuge website: fws.gov/refuge/Sherburne/

• This website on the Upcoming Events page

• Recent birds seen on the refuge (from eBird) on the Wildlife Drive

• Friends Facebook page: facebook.com/sherburnerefugefans

• Friends’ Prairie Insider E-News: To subscribe, enter email address as requested at bottom of this page

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