Sandhill cranes over barley fields near the Alaska Range, Delta Junction, Alaska

© Yva Momatiuk and John Eastcott/Minden Pictures

Sandhill cranes over barley fields near the Alaska Range, Delta Junction, Alaska

When residents of Delta Junction in Alaska see sandhill cranes, they’re witnessing migration in action. The cranes don’t live in the south central area of the state, but rather pass through on their way north to breeding grounds for the summer. And in fall, they may pass through again as they head south toward California, Texas, and Mexico, where they’ll spend the winter. For International Migratory Bird Day today, you can celebrate by finding out which species of birds migrate to, or through, your area. Then get out there during migration times and spot some birds.