Sandhill and Whooping Cranes

“In keeping with his long and fascinating series of books about birds, Paul Johnsgard captures the drama of the greatest gathering of cranes on earth—the flocking in early spring of more than a half million sandhill cranes along the Platte River, Nebraska. This charming volume transmits that special magic when the cranes, springtime, and the river all meet on the Great Plains in the heart of North America.”—George Archibald, cofounder of the International Crane Foundation

"No one is better qualified than Johnsgard to discuss cranes both as objects of scientific study and as ancient, magical creatures. His lyrical description of the sandhills' spectacular spring staging in the Platte river valley will captivate all readers, particularly those unfamiliar with cranes."—Cynthia Knight, Library Journal Starred Review

"Johnsgard's books carry a personal touch that goes well beyond the science and lets us see a bit of the man himself. What Sandhill and Whooping Cranes does is allow him a chance to pause and look back in his rearview mirror, acknowledging a wide circle of friends young and old who he treasures and with whom he has shared the experience of cranes, sunsets and wild things over these many years."—Michael Forsberg, Prairie Fire

"Sandhill and Whooping Cranes: Ancient Voices Over America's Wetlands comes from an author who has spent nearly half a century observing cranes throughout the United States. . . . The author's own ink drawings accompanies a natural history and detailed guide to crane-viewing sites around the U.S. and Canada, making this a pick for any birding collection!"—James A. Cox, Midwest Book Review

"Libraries and individuals who own Johnsgard's Crane Music must get this update. Those that do not have either work must get both. . . . The author has returned to the birds that captured his heart, providing eloquent descriptions of the revered and elegant species of cranes."—C. G. Heister, Choice

"This charming, informative book has clearly been written by someone who truly understands and appreciates the magnificence of cranes."—Janice M. Hughes, Great Plains Research