A Safari For Sandhill Cranes In Southeast Tennessee

Published January 19, 2023 at 5:32 PM EST

This time of year, thousands of sandhill cranes migrate through - or even spend the winter - on or near the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge, about 45 minutes northeast of Chattanooga.

Last weekend, fans of the birds flocked to the Refuge for the annual Sandhill Crane Festival.

This weekend, Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center here in Chattanooga hosts a Sandhill Crane Safari - on Saturday, beginning at 12:30 PM at its location and ending with a road trip to the Refuge to see the birds in the wild.

Mark McKnight is president and CEO of Reflection Riding.

Tish Gailmard is director of wildlife there.

Dr. David Aborn is an ornithologist - and a professor of biology, geology and environmental science on our campus, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

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