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For you part-time birders it is time to dust off the binoculars and think again about crane season.

The sandhill crane migration, a true Nebraska treasure, is a wildlife event of historic proportions known the world over. Thousands of people both local and from around the planet will soon be cruising the back roads to observe regal cranes feeding in wet meadows and cornfields.

A little consideration can make the experience more enjoyable for bird watchers and less stressful for the birds and for the farmers, ranchers and residents that live and work in and near the cranes roosting, resting and feeding areas.

It is a common occurrence for a motorist to abruptly stop, often in the middle of the road when the driver sees something of interest along the way. Because other birders would hate to miss anything there can soon be several vehicles stopped.

The problem of course is that drivers do not always make an effort to watch for oncoming traffic and this can cause problems for farm vehicles, rural mail carriers, emergency vehicles, school busses or other motorists. This problem can be reduced by making an effort to pull as far to the edge of the road as possible.

At the same time driveways, access roads and mailboxes should never be blocked. Avoid driving slowly down the road while watching wildlife-pull over and let people by. When pulled over it is a good idea to turn on hazard lights. Not only is this a matter of courtesy but it also a matter of safety.

It is illegal in Nebraska to harass wildlife and just plain unethical. Some people have been known to drive too fast trying to keep up with a particular bird or other animal. Others have tried using their car's horn to scare birds into taking flight.

Never try to approach cranes on foot, this will only frighten them and ruin the opportunity for others to view them. Also keep in mind that most areas where cranes are seen is private property and that trespassing is also illegal and gives a bad reputation to all wildlife viewers whether it is deserved or not.

Fortunately locals and visitors alike have ample opportunity to see the cranes without disturbing anyone. In several areas near the Platte River between Grand Island and Kearney there are designated viewing areas where visitors can park and watch cranes, geese, ducks and the millions of other birds that migrate through each spring. There are also a few viewing platforms in the Alda, Kearney and Gibbon areas.

Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary near Gibbon offers guided trips to riverside blinds each morning and evening during their crane season which occurs in March and April.

Expert volunteer guides and staff ensure that cranes are not disturbed and that visitors have a world class experience.

Rather than seeing them in fields visitors have the opportunity to see the cranes wake up in the Platte in the mornings and return again in the evening, often dancing as the sun sets. Regarded as the premiere location to watch cranes in the Platte Valley, Rowe Sanctuary is an annual destination for wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.

With a little common sense and consideration the amazing event known as crane season can be an enjoyable and safe experience for everyone.

To make a reservation at Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary contact: www.rowesanctuary.org

Or call (308) 468-5282

For Grand Island area crane viewing opportunities contact: Grand Island/Hall County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2424 South Locust, Suite C, Grand Island, Neb., 68801, or call (308) 382-4400 or e-mail. info@visitgrandisland.com