Sandhill Cranes chronicle spring on the live crane cam located on the shore of the Platte River in central Nebraska at https://explore.org/livecams/national-audubon-society/crane-camera

Last week we entered a new period of medical concerns in reaction to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) in the United States, Canada, and around the world. With spring birding events and festivals reaching a peak in upcoming days and weeks, it’s best to keep updated day by day about cancellations and postponements of events, as well as keeping up to date with the status of this medical emergency.

For instance, Audubon Nebraska’s 50th Crane Festival is scheduled to take place this weekend, March 20 and 21, but that may change at a moment’s notice. Already, the nearby visitor center and hiking trails at Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary have been closed, and it is an important field trip destination for the Crane Festival. For updates for these two locations see https://ne.audubon.org/crane-festival and https://rowe.audubon.org/news

Even so, it’s fantastic to check out the sunrise and sunset crane flights and chorus along the Platte River remotely at https://explore.org/livecams/national-audubon-society/crane-camera

If you have plans to attend upcoming events, keep informed by checking their websites or make a call. And use your own discretion while following the recommendations of health and government professionals. For information and updates about Coronavirus, you can visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Nonetheless, while taking all precautions provided by area, state, and national agencies, you should be able to enjoy birding in areas where you can keep a safe distance from others. Continue to enjoy birding by taking a walk in the country, do a little auto touring, and of course, enjoy your feeding station, water feature, and landscaping at home. Getting away from it all, including the stress of this emergency, is part of the reason we enjoy birding.