Thw Whooping Crane (Grus americana) is a rare migrant along the Platte River. With protection for the wintering grounds at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, nesting grounds in Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada, and key resting areas on the migratory route along the Platte, numbers are slowly increasing. The species is still in danger of extinction.Immature birds have rusty colored feathers.

photo courtesy of Mike Rabbe

The Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) frequents peat bogs, wet grasslands, and salt marshes. It is most active at dawn and dusk. It has been reported to breed in Nebraska and can be seen throughout the year, especially in the Sandhills.

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