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Sandhill cranes are omnivorous which means they will eat seeds, berries and roots - but they will also eat small animals like rodents, snails, insects, frogs and lizards. (Photo: Richard Simms)

Hiwassee Refuge once held as many as 30,000 sandhill cranes during the winter. However, as migration patterns have shifted over the years, there are typically 5,000 to 10,000 sandhills that over-winter in the area. (Photo: Richard Simms)

Many sandhill cranes migrate to Florida from their summer homes in the northern United States. They may simply make a temporary rest stop at the Hiwassee Refuge or they may opt to spend the enitre winter here before migrating back north. (Photo: Richard Simms)

Once a non-existent or extremely rare sight, the wintering population of sandhill cranes has grown to the point that there is a limited hunting season for them all across Tennessee. However the hunting season is never allowed on Hiwassee Refuge and it is completely suspended the weekend of the crane festival. (Photo: Richard Simms)

Amazing America 250: Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival marks 35 years of migration magic

Sandhill cranes are omnivorous which means they will eat seeds, berries and roots - but they will also eat small animals like rodents, snails, insects, frogs and lizards. (Photo: Richard Simms)

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