The tour begins at Grand Island Airport in the early afternoon. We'll spend our afternoon at Shoemaker Island observing thousands of Sandhill Cranes and waterfowl, and looking for Harris's Sparrow, Rough-legged Hawk and at dusk, Short-eared Owl. Overnight in Kearney.

A full day of birding near Kearney and the Platte River. On Funk Lagoon we'll see Yellow-headed Blackbird and Great-tailed Grackle, with a good chance for Cinnamon Teal and Eared Grebe. After a visit to a prairie dog town, it's off to Rowe Sanctuary for the roosting masses of Sandhill Cranes and flock after flock of ducks and geese, including White-fronted and Ross's Geese. We should also see Bald Eagle and Ferruginous Hawk. A second night in Kearney.

In Hall County we'll visit Crane Meadows and Taylor Ranch, good areas for Greater Prairie-Chicken, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Black-billed Magpie, Northern Shrike, and Wild Turkey. River Otters are likely. At mid-day we'll drive west for several hours to Sutherland Reservoir, the gull capital of western Nebraska. Franklin's and California Gulls are likely, with many others possible. Also likely are Western Grebe, American White Pelican, Bohemian Waxwing, and Townsend's Solitaire. Overnight in North Platte.

Today's birding is in the marshes, junipers and cottonwoods of Lake McConaughy and Kingsley Dam. Possibilities in this region include Barn Owl, Northern Goshawk, Long-eared Owl, Clark's Grebe, and another chance for Greater Prairie-Chicken. Lake Ogallala will be covered with ducks that may include Long-tailed Duck, Barrow's Goldeneye, and all three species of scoters. A second night in North Platte.

In the morning we'll bird the varied habitats of Wellfleet and Medicine Creek. A large assortment of songbirds is likely in the juniper, pine, and riparian woodlands and dense brush. The marshes and open water will yield Marsh Wren, rails, and more waterfowl. Some exploration as we drive east will yield more opportunities for new species. Sandhill Cranes will again provide the afternoon's entertainment; with some luck we may find a Whooping Crane. Overnight in Kearney.

This morning will provide one more chance for Greater Prairie-Chicken and any ducks, hawks, or songbirds that have eluded us. We'll arrive at Grand Island Airport for our early afternoon flights home.

Our Sandhill Crane and waterfowl extravaganza will be led by one of BIRD TREKS highly competent tour leaders. Rest assured that you will be in the right place at the right time for the best birding opportunities, and an action-packed, worry-free tour.

$1295 per person based upon double occupancy. Single accommodations are available for an extra charge of $245

Expert guide service, entrance fees and permits, all ground transportation within Nebraska, ALL meals, and lodging for the five nights of the tour. ALL tips are also included in the tour fee, except for anything extra that you may wish to give to your tour leader(s).
Does not include cost of airfare to and from Grand Island, Nebraska (Hall County Regional Airport.) BIRD TREKS will, upon request, help you obtain the best possible air transportation. Also not included are the cost of alcoholic beverages and items of a personal nature.

A $300 deposit will assure your reservation on the tour. The balance is payable 15 January 2008. Send your deposit soon to insure your reservation on the tour and to obtain the best possible airfare - - six months in advance would be excellent, so that we can reserve the observation blinds.

We offer the services of our exclusive BIRD TREKS travel agent, Lori Heathcote, in arranging your air travel. Lori has 22 years of experience in the travel industry and is a veteran birder. Contact her through Bailey Travel at 1-800-224-5399, or you can e-mail lori@baileytravel.com. By dealing with Lori you have the security of a 24-hour toll-free telephone number in case of any travel emergency. She can also assist you with all pre- and post-tour travel plans.

With written notice more than 60 days prior to the first day of the tour, 100% of your deposit will be refunded, minus a $75 service fee. With 30-60 days notice, you will receive a 50% refund of the full cost of the tour. No refund can be made with less than 30 days notice. You will receive a full refund if you provide a replacement for your spot on the tour. No partial refund can be given once a tour begins. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment in case of injury or illness to you or your family prior to or during a tour. Click on the following link to Access America or contact BIRD TREKS for information on obtaining this coverage.