A Season of Resilience: The 2026 Crane Nest Camera
The 2026 Crane Nest Camera Season showcased the incredible diversity of wildlife in the wetland and one very resilient Greater Sandhill Crane family.
After losing their first nest to a predator less than 24 hours after laying their first egg, the determined pair immediately built a second nest. Together, they dutifully tended it through extreme weather, predators, and rising water levels. Their dedication paid off with the successful hatching of two beautiful chicks! For two weeks, our viewers and production team followed this new family as they encountered other wildlife and learned to forage and navigate the wetlands.
The season came to a dramatic conclusion late on May 28, 2026, when a severe windstorm blew down the entire camera setup. Thankfully, the cranes are safe and thriving out in the fields, but our equipment is gone. We need your help to rebuild a stronger system and sustain operations so we can keep this window to the wetlands streaming next year.
Why Your Support Matters
In addition to the scientific knowledge gained from this project each year, the public enjoys the opportunity to learn about Sandhill Crane nesting in an intimate and non-intrusive way during a time when the cranes are typically very secretive and hard to observe.
Please support CCCC’s efforts to educate the public about these remarkable birds and donate to the Sandhill Crane Nest Camera project!