Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary, Gibbon

Last Friday I had the opportunity to experience a blind at the Rowe Sanctuary photographing the Sand Hill Crane sunrise "lift-off". The blind is designed nicely for photographers with tripods and long lenses and protects you from the direct elements. Wind is a different element as it was very blustery but totally tolerable in the blind. The staff/guides were terrific as I currently require some assistance due to health with walking. A golf cart was offered to help me to and from the blind and saved the day! I would recommend the photography blind experience to anyone interested...you will not be disappointed!

Great service and volunteers were very knowledgeable. Provided us an amazing sunrise Sandhill tour and highly recommended to others. You will not disappointed.

Must do if you go see the cranes… it was magical. Very cold , so great to be in the blind… sound immersion opportunity since you hear the birds for quite a while before seeing them.. lovely opportunity to photograph them and to observe them in their natural habitat.

This was my 6th or 7th trip to Rowe Sanctuary. Unfortunately, we had a guide for the evening "general" tour who instructed us to stow our camera equipment until given permission to take it out, and to stop taking photos when a red light came on in the blind. I usually reserve space in the photography blind, but could only get a spot in the general blind. I knew I'd have limited access to taking photos. With a cloudless sky, and beautiful evening light, we still hadn't received the go ahead to get our gear out. The guide eventually came around - after the best light was gone - and said he was mistaken - that he'd given us instructions usually given for the morning - not evening participants. I got zero photos. Crane viewing was fantastic, though. Just disappointed with the messed up instructions.

Ammmmazing! One of my favorite things to do in early April. The wonder and grace and sound of the cranes.