BIRCHWOOD, Tenn. -- Ocoee Adventure Travel will offer two daily boat excursions into the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge for special viewing of the Sandhill Cranes beginning Saturday, January 8. From October through February each year, the Hiwassee Refuge, located at the confluence of the Hiwassee and Tennessee Rivers, is the premium wintering observation site for the magnificent Sandhill Cranes in the southeast United States. With current favorable conditions, over 12,000 cranes are in the Hiwassee Refuge and surrounding area.
In North America, the Sandhill Crane, stately in appearance and graceful in flight, is second in height to only the Whooping Crane. Typically in the winter months, 90 to 100 different species of birds can be seen in the refuge including rare and endangered Whooping Cranes, Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Northern Harrier, Red-tail Hawk, turkeys, vultures, gulls and more.
This special boat trip is guided by a naturalist, and discussions of this historically significant island include the following highlights:
* As a teenager, Sam Houston, governor of Texas and Tennessee, lived with Chief Jolly of the Cherokees on Hiwassee Island.
* In 1838, Blythe Ferry Landing, across the river from Hiwassee Island, was the final departure point for the Cherokee nation to Arkansas and Oklahoma on the "Trail of Tears."
* The Hiwassee Island was the site of the largest pioneer archeological dig in the Tennessee Valley in the late 1930's.
The boats, with enclosed areas and a viewing deck, depart from B & B Marina on the Hiwassee River. Excursions are $59 per person plus tax and advance reservations are required due to limited space. For additional information or reservations, contact Ocoee Adventure Travel at 888-723-8622.