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from the issue of March 6, 2008
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Sandhill crane special airs March 9
Every year some 80 percent of the world's Sandhill cranes make their way through a 75-mile stretch of Nebraska's central Platte River Valley - a critical stopover in their 5,000-mile spring migration.
The migration is featured in an encore broadcast of "Crane Song," airing at 5:30 p.m. March 9 on NET1 and NET-HD. "Crane Song" includes images and sounds of the birds' journey with stories and insight provided by individuals who observe the cranes and landowners who provide habitat for the creatures.
Each spring, between February and April, hundreds of thousands of Sandhill cranes soar into Nebraska on a journey the birds have taken for more than 20,000 years, since the end of the last ice age. With the surrounding cornfields providing food, the Platte River Valley is an ideal habitat for the birds, allowing them to prepare for the final push to their breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra.
But their habitat is at risk. Much of the Platte is no longer the broad shallow river it once was. Decreased water flow has led to the overgrowth of vegetation on the river's sandbars, resulting in fewer spots for the cranes to spend the night safely away from predators.
Individuals featured in the broadcast include Mike Voorhies, a recently retired UNL paleontologist, and Paul Johnsgard, emeritus professor of biology.
Perry Stoner produced "Crane Song." Ralph Hammack was videographer/editor.
For more information, go online to www.netnebraska.org.
GO TO: ISSUE OF MARCH 6
ARTS HEADLINES FOR MARCH 6
RETURNING GRADUATE
American Life in Poetry
'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' cons its way into Lied Center
GRADUATE DISCUSSION
'Honeydripper' opens March 7 at the Ross
Lied Center hosts March 15 performance of St. Matthew's Passion
Sandhill crane special airs March 9
Sheldon hosts poetry contest on March 8
Symphonic Band to perform March 9
733107S38004X
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